No. 1 Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is one of college football’s most recognizable coaches. An offensive mastermind, he previously led Washington and USC before taking over the Longhorns in 2021.
While “Sark” is well known for his play-calling and quarterback development, he’s also famous for his sideline look, complete with his signature sunglasses. Here’s the story behind those sunglasses and why they sparked a beef with EA Sports.
The Story Behind Steve Sarkisian’s Sunglasses and His Beef with EA Sports
As long as Steve Sarkisian has been coaching football, he’s been seen on the sidelines wearing sunglasses. It’s been a staple of his fashion as a head coach, and the glasses have become synonymous with him.
Happy Birthday @CoachSark from the #TrojanFamily! #FightOn pic.twitter.com/GhBMA2y9lo
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) March 8, 2015
Whether he’s on the sideline during a game or running onto the field with his team, Sarkisian is rarely without his shades.
According to Chron, he credits his wife, Loreal Sarkisian, for his pregame fashion, which usually includes some form of suit, but his in-game look, featuring the iconic sunglasses, is entirely his own choice.
“His wife, Loreal Sarkisian, is an icon in pregame fashion and is largely credited with his pregame suit looks,” Chron reported. “As for his in-game style, it’s consistent: a white long-sleeved pullover with a Longhorn logo and his orange polarized sunglasses.”
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Meanwhile, video game developer EA Sports brought back its college football game in July 2024, reviving one of the most beloved sports video game franchises ever. While College Football 25 didn’t feature real-life college coaches, College Football 26 added them, including their likenesses.
Sarkisian was one of over 300 coaches who chose to appear in the game, but the Longhorns head coach wasn’t happy with EA’s version of him. On the field, he wasn’t wearing his signature white pullover, and most importantly, his sunglasses were missing.
He took to his Instagram story to express his displeasure with his likeness in College Football 26.
Sark on IG.
I am howling. 😂 pic.twitter.com/VDR14ugd3u
— Claudia 🤘🏼 (@TexasEx10) May 29, 2025
While they weren’t included in College Football 26, Sarkisian’s sunglasses will be back this season as he enters his fourth year as the Longhorns’ head coach. In three seasons, he has posted a 33-10 record, leading Texas to the College Football Playoff in both 2023 and 2024.
This year, he aims to build on that success and lead Texas to a national championship. With one of the best rosters in the country and a No. 1 ranking in the preseason AP poll, the Longhorns have a real shot.
Sarkisian, sporting his iconic sunglasses, will make his first appearance in a huge matchup as No. 1 Texas travels to No. 3 Ohio State to kick off the season on Saturday, August 30, at 12:00 p.m. ET. Television coverage is available on FOX.
