Since Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian decided to poke the bear in West Texas, he has learned the hard way that some programs don’t just sit back and take the disrespect. Now, Texas Tech booster and Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell has doubled down on his challenge.
How the College Football World Reacted to Cody Campbell’s Challenge to Steve Sarkisian
Campbell appeared on Friday’s episode of “The Pat McAfee Show” and sent a clear message. He said, “It’s become very clear that there are quite a few steers down in Austin & not very many bulls… Sark should have known when he opened his mouth that he better be ready to pack a lunch… We’re ready to spot the ball… You name the place & we’ll be there.”
The reactions on social media were immediate.
The Big 12 podcast First and 16’s X account said, “I think Texas and the SEC just lost their first hypothetical game ever. Great job Texas Tech!”
I think Texas and the SEC just lost their first hypothetical game ever.
Great job Texas Tech!
— First and 16 – A Big 12 Podcast (@Firstand16_Pod) May 29, 2026
A prominent account, ‘Red Raider Man,’ said, “Cody Campbell just DEMOLISHED Sark 😭”
Cody Campbell just DEMOLISHED Sark 😭
Via: @PatMcAfeeShow pic.twitter.com/qjaXc5SxSA
— Red Raider Man🌵 (@redraiderman1) May 29, 2026
“Red & Black Report” host RC Maxfield said, “Cody dropping a bar 😮💨”
Cody dropping a bar 😮💨 https://t.co/QhMGyMC4Xz
— RC Maxfield (@RCMB323) May 29, 2026
In the same interview, Campbell also clarified that he had conversation with Abilene Christian and Texas State to free up Tech and Longhorns’ schedule. He declared, “We’ve already talked to Abilene Christian and Texas State… They’re happy to do it and we’ll pay the buyout for Texas… There’s no reason not to do this and we’re ready to go.”
Industry insiders estimate that buying out both Abilene Christian ($1 million) and Texas State ($1.4 million) would cost roughly $2.4 million. Campbell is entirely willing to write that check out of his own pocket just to see his Red Raiders get a crack at Sarkisian.
Now, pressure is piling in Austin. If the Longhorns decline, they prove Campbell’s “steer” comment exactly right. They validate the narrative that they are terrified of playing a physical West Texas squad before heading into their grueling SEC slate.
If they accept, Sarkisian has to put his money where his mouth is and prove his backups can handle a Red Raider team that finished 12-2 last year and earned a CFP bye.
Read More: ‘Lining Up the Excuses’ – SEC Analyst Puts Head Coach With $60M Buyout on Hot Seat Radar
