Steve Sarkisian Defends Texas Amid 2025 Season Challenges
Despite setbacks and a high-profile loss to Georgia, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian insists his team has competed at a high level and refuses to label the season a disappointment.
- Glenn Catubig
- 3 min read
The 2025 Texas football season has been a rollercoaster, marked by early expectations and high-profile setbacks. Entering the year as the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, the Longhorns stumbled immediately with a tough loss to Ohio State in the season opener.
Texas rallied with wins over No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Vanderbilt, briefly climbing back into the AP Top 10, but momentum quickly shifted. A 35-10 defeat to the Georgia Bulldogs effectively ended their College Football Playoff hopes, leaving fans and pundits questioning the team’s performance.
Despite the setbacks, head coach Steve Sarkisian has consistently defended his players, rejecting the notion that the season should be labeled a disappointment. Speaking with Anwar Richardson of Yahoo Sports, Sarkisian responded to criticism bluntly: “According to who?”
The veteran coach emphasized the challenges his team has faced, including injuries and a demanding schedule, while highlighting their resiliency and effort. Sarkisian’s perspective frames the Longhorns’ season as one defined by competition and growth rather than unmet expectations.
1. Navigating a Grueling Schedule
Sarkisian has underscored the difficulty of Texas’ schedule this season, noting that five of the Longhorns’ 12 regular-season opponents were ranked in the top 10 at the time of play. Facing nearly half the season against elite competition is a rarity in college football, and he believes the team’s effort should be judged in that context. He also pointed to Texas’ opportunity to make history by potentially defeating three top-10 opponents in the regular season, a feat not achieved since the 2019 LSU Tigers. This perspective frames the season’s narrative around achievement in adversity rather than disappointment. The Longhorns have demonstrated flashes of dominance, particularly in their high-profile wins against Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. These victories illustrate Texas’ capability to compete at the highest level, even amid inconsistencies and challenging matchups. Sarkisian’s approach emphasizes preparation and resilience, positioning the Longhorns as a team that has consistently battled elite opponents while maintaining focus on long-term goals.
2. Sarkisian’s Perspective on Expectations
The coach has repeatedly highlighted the high standards at the University of Texas, acknowledging that expectations for championship contention are inherent to the program. He insists that the team has met those expectations in terms of effort and competitiveness, even if the record does not fully reflect it. “In the Big Picture, we’re held to a very high standard,” Sarkisian said via OnTexas Football. “We’re going to play the best teams in the country. Nearly half our schedule was top-10 teams, and we’ve competed through it all.” He emphasized that the team’s commitment and resiliency in the face of injuries and tough opponents are key measures of success, rather than simply wins and losses. For Sarkisian, navigating a brutal schedule with consistency is itself an accomplishment. By focusing on effort, resilience, and high-level competition, Sarkisian aims to shift the narrative from underachievement to growth and long-term development for the Longhorns program.
3. Looking Ahead
Texas still has the chance to finish the season on a high note, with upcoming matchups against Arkansas and the No. 3-ranked Texas A&M Aggies. A strong finish could provide momentum and validate the team’s competitiveness in a challenging season. Even without a perfect record or College Football Playoff berth, the Longhorns have opportunities to demonstrate progress and resilience, providing a silver lining for fans and players alike. Sarkisian’s messaging remains consistent: success is measured by preparation, competitiveness, and adaptability, not simply by wins and losses on the scoreboard. As Texas navigates its final games, the team’s focus will be on seizing opportunities to compete against elite programs and ending the season on a note that reflects effort and potential.