As the 2025 college football season kicks off, the Texas Longhorns are set to face Ohio State in a highly anticipated matchup. Amid this excitement, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, a former Texas star, shared his thoughts on the Longhorns’ quarterback Arch Manning and the team’s prospects. However, the spotlight recently shifted to Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, who found himself at the center of controversy following a hard-fought win over Mississippi State.
Texas secured a dramatic overtime victory against Mississippi State, improving their record to 6-2 and currently holding the No. 22 ranking nationally. Despite the win, the post-game atmosphere was far from celebratory for Sarkisian and the Longhorns. Quarterback Arch Manning suffered an injury during the game, raising concerns about the team’s offensive consistency and future performance. Manning, who has been under a lot of pressure as Texas’ highly touted signal-caller, has struggled at times this season to meet the lofty expectations set for him and the team.
Adding to the tension, a report emerged on the morning of the game from The Athletic, claiming that Steve Sarkisian’s representatives had informed NFL decision makers about his interest in potential head coaching openings, specifically mentioning the Tennessee Titans. This report stirred up a media frenzy, suggesting that Sarkisian might be considering leaving Texas for an NFL opportunity. However, Sarkisian’s agents quickly refuted these claims, labeling the report as “patently false and wildly inaccurate.”
In a candid post-game interview, Sarkisian addressed the swirling rumors head-on. He expressed frustration and disappointment over the report, which he said unfairly painted a misleading picture of his intentions. “I’d love to touch on this, so bear with me for a second because it really p---es me off that one person can make a report that, in turn, the entire media and sports world runs with as factual,” Sarkisian said, according to OrangeBloods.com. He emphasized that his agency, including prominent agents like Jimmy Sexton and Ed Marynowitz of CAA, had never before felt the need to issue a public statement to clarify such rumors. Yet, they did so to protect his reputation, his locker room, and his team.
Sarkisian was particularly critical of the media’s role in amplifying the story without sufficient verification. He called the report “completely unprofessional” and described the media’s widespread acceptance of the story as “borderline embarrassing.” Despite the distractions, Sarkisian was clear about his priorities. He said he operates with a “small circle” when it comes to making decisions about his career and assured fans and players alike that his focus remains firmly on the Texas Longhorns.
Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Sarkisian has compiled a solid 44-19 record at Texas, demonstrating his ability to lead the program to competitive heights. Texas entered the 2025 season as the preseason No. 1 team, fueled by high expectations and a talented roster. However, inconsistent offensive performances and Manning’s injury setbacks have tempered some of the early-season optimism. Still, the Longhorns remain hopeful for another College Football Playoff berth, building on their appearance in 2024.
As Texas prepares for their season opener against Ohio State, the Longhorns will look to overcome the challenges of injuries and media distractions. Sarkisian’s leadership will be crucial in keeping the team focused and motivated. Meanwhile, former Longhorn Bijan Robinson’s insights on Arch Manning add a layer of intrigue to the quarterback’s development and the team’s potential moving forward.
For fans and followers of college football, the Texas Longhorns’ journey this season promises to be a compelling story of resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of excellence amid adversity. With the coaching controversy behind them and a talented roster ready to compete, the Longhorns aim to recapture their status as one of college football’s elite programs.