Steve Sarkisian and Texas narrowly missed out on the College Football Playoff last season, but expectations are soaring for 2026. Meanwhile, Sarkisian’s offseason rant with other programs is revealing just how confident he is heading into the new season.
Why Did Steve Sarkisian Get Nod from an Ex-NFL Star After Texas Tech Jab?
During an appearance at the Touchdown Club of Houston on Thursday, Sarkisian responded to a fan’s question about whether the CFP Committee should place more emphasis on strength of schedule. He said there is a team in Texas playing in another conference that his squad could go undefeated against even while using backups, but that team will likely make the playoff this season.
Sarkisian didn’t explicitly name Texas Tech, but many clearly understood that he got his shot at Texas Tech, and reactions continued to pour in since then. However, several sports personalities, including former NFL linebacker David Pollack, publicly supported his comments.
“I’m loving this offseason for Sark! Say what you feel. Take shots. I’m here for all of it, and usually when you talk like he is, you feel really good about your team. Hook ’em about to go off this year! Book it!” Pollack wrote.
Since moving to the SEC, Texas faces a notoriously brutal conference schedule, as the Longhorns have to play elite programs like Georgia, Florida, and Texas A&M, while scheduling brutal out-of-conference games like Ohio State. The Longhorns finished the 2025 season with three losses against that demanding slate and missed out on the 12-team CFP field.
Meanwhile, Texas Tech witnessed only one loss in the 2025 regular season, won the Big 12 title, and advanced to the CFP quarterfinals. Programs competing in conferences viewed as less demanding can often reach the playoff with fewer losses against weaker schedules, and Texas Tech’s 2026 schedule is also considered favorable.
As for Texas’ 2026 season, Sarkisian acknowledged that expectations are extremely high, but he said the standards inside the program are even greater. The PFSN CFP Playoff Meter is also high on the Longhorns’ potential, currently giving them a 66.9% chance of making the playoff in 2026.
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Sarkisian also spoke on speculation surrounding his coaching future in the appearance at the Touchdown Club of Houston. After being linked to NFL opportunities last year, the Texas head coach said that this is now his longest tenure as a head coach at one school, as he enters his sixth season in Austin. Sarkisian also added that he hopes to retire at Texas eventually and wants that moment to come far in the future.
