Fans of Texas football are split after Colin Cowherd doubted the possibility of the Longhorns being named “the new Alabama.”
Some say that Steve Sarkisian’s defensive growth and recruiting success are true. In contrast, others think along the same lines as Cowherd and are worried that Texas might face difficulties against physically elite teams in critical moments.
Cowherd Questions Texas’ Championship Mettle
On The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the FOX Sports host didn’t hold back when addressing claims that Texas could be “college football’s New Alabama.”
“Is Texas college football’s new Alabama? Oh boy,” Cowherd said, immediately showing his skepticism. He noted, “Texas, my entire life, has been USC in cowboy hats. It has good looking, a lot of style, a lot of vibe, a lot of energy. Coach always makes a lot of money, cool stadium, cool city. Where are all the natties?”
Cowherd drew a sharp contrast between Texas and Alabama’s championship culture. “Texas is the prom king. He’s the coolest guy in school. He may be the best-looking guy in school,” he explained. “Alabama was like the best wrestler in your high school. Like, you know, didn’t always look good in clothes, but nobody wanted to mess with him.”
“Texas has always been USC in cowboys hats.”@colincowherd thinks calling Texas the “New Alabama” is nonsense pic.twitter.com/YNfPLSAyta
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 13, 2025
He questioned their ability in pressure situations: “But do you trust Texas in a big spot if they’re playing a hyper-physical SEC team, or like an Ohio State or a Notre Dame tough, physical team? Do you trust them? I don’t.”
His final assessment was particularly harsh: “If it’s drizzling, you won’t get their A-game. You will not get USC’s A-game if it’s overcast and there’s a light drizzle in the second quarter. And I kind of feel like Texas has always been USC in cowboy hats.”
Longhorn Fans Fire Back
The comments sparked passionate responses from Texas supporters across social media.
One user said, “Sark is a great coach. He will make them the real deal for a bit! Obviously Michigan will beat them next time they play but Texas is going to be at the top for a bit. They leveled up! Finally!”
Sark is a great coach. He will make them the real deal for a bit! Obviously Michigan will beat them next time they play but Texas is going to be at the top for a bit. They leveled up! Finally!
— Kevin Paquette (@paquette_k28987) August 14, 2025
Another fan noted, “Good take but Sark has Texas Defense playing at a different level. Top 2-3 last year. Top 3 again this year.”
One user commented, “Have you watched any Texas football the last two years @colincowherd? Game against bama in 2023? I don’t disagree with your take from 2000-2022, but Sark has built size in the trenches, and heavy hitters on defense. Ask @joelklatt for the better take on this.”
A fellow supporter wrote, “He’s right, I like how they recruit & huge fan of Sark. I won’t speak for the players and coaches but their fans are satisfied with being relevant and talked about. Look at the responses to this post tells you what you need know about them, you would think they won it recently.”
He’s right, I like how they recruit & huge fan of Sark. I won’t speak for the players and coaches but their fans are satisfied with being relevant and talked about. Look at the responses to this post tells you what you need know about them, you would think they won it recently.
— Nell (@sports91st) August 14, 2025
One more fan reminded, “He used to coach at Alabama too.”
The reactions mentioned here showcase the polarizing nature of the topic. Some people commend Sarkisian’s quick reconstruction, and others raise the same concerns about the team’s toughness and consistency that Cowherd referred to.
