The expectations surrounding the University of Texas football program have reached a boiling point. With massive financial backing and a difficult 2026 schedule ahead, pressure is mounting on Steve Sarkisian. This has directly put the spotlight on his massive $60.3 million contract buyout, and now Paul Finebaum has weighed in on the situation.
Why Paul Finebaum Defends Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian
SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum isn’t buying the narrative that Sarkisian’s seat should be warm. Speaking on the current state of the Longhorns on “McElroy and Cubelic Audio,” Finebaum delivered a stern defense of the Texas head coach, dismissing the building pressure as completely unwarranted.
“Their schedule is really daunting, but I’m curious what Steve Sarkisian has to say, because there’s a little bit of chirping out there about him, and I don’t think it’s justified,” Finebaum said.
A major catalyst for Finebaum’s optimism is the aggressive roster engineering that took place during the offseason. The Longhorns have surrounded prodigy quarterback Arch Manning with an embarrassment of riches via the transfer portal and recruiting trail.
Texas heavily upgraded its offensive arsenal by bringing in elite wide receiver Cam Coleman, dynamic running back Hollywood Smothers, and former Arizona State running back Raleek Brown.
“He’s still been to the playoffs twice. Last year was not a disaster, in spite of the opening loss, and then the Florida loss, but I think they have the capacity to win the national championship,” he continued.
“I just want to know what is different, and I’m sure we’ll hear a lot about Will Muschamp. I’m sure we’ll hear a lot about Cam Coleman, Hollywood Smothers, a lot of names that are probably going to make them a little better, a much better team, I should say.”
The true test of Sarkisian’s $60.3 million security blanket will be the upcoming schedule, which multiple major networks have ranked as the single toughest in the nation.
Texas will face an absolute gauntlet, starting with a massive non-conference showdown at home against Ohio State on September 12. From there, the SEC slate offers zero breathing room.
The Longhorns must travel to Knoxville to face Tennessee on September 26, battle Oklahoma in the annual Red River Rivalry on October 10, and survive a brutal late-season road trip to Baton Rouge against LSU on November 14 before finishing the regular season at Kyle Field against Texas A&M on November 27.
It is a schedule designed to break lesser programs. Yet, with a reinforced roster and a seasoned coaching staff, Texas is looking to conquer it. Currently, PFSN’s CFB Playoff Meter gives the Longhorns a 66% chance to make the playoffs.
MORE: ‘I Can Go Yell at Anybody’: Bill Belichick Gets Blunt About Ditching NFL for College Football
