A season that started at the top
Texas made unwanted history on Saturday. The Longhorns became the first program since 1961 to hold the No. 1 spot in the AP poll and then drop consecutive games to unranked opponents. After surrendering a lead to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, Texas built another large first-half advantage against Florida, only for the Gators and backup quarterback Tramell Jones to rally, intensifying scrutiny on Steve Sarkisian.[S1]
Sarkisian was hired to accomplish two goals. The first was lifting the program's floor and making it consistently competitive, which he has done with a 35-8 record across his past three seasons. The second was turning Texas into a perennial national title contender. That has not materialized, even though the Longhorns have reached No. 1 in the AP poll at points in each of the last two seasons, and at 4-2 they again look bound for a year outside the sport's elite tier.[S1]
The price of a coaching change
Sarkisian signed a new deal in 2025 that runs through 2031 and lifted his salary into the upper tier of college football. Counting this season, the contract covers six more years and slightly more than $70 million. His buyout entitles him to 85% of the remaining balance, which would leave Texas owing $50.15 million once the 2026 season ends.[S1]
That sum would not be the largest buyout ever paid, nor even the biggest in Texas, but it would still land among the five most expensive in the sport's history. Committing that much would require the university to be more than frustrated with Sarkisian; it would need to be convinced he cannot take the Longhorns to the top. Texas would also need certainty that a superior coach is available, and while its resources could tempt almost anyone, no obvious candidate stands out.[S1]
Playoff hopes keep the question open
Two defeats do not yet eliminate Texas from College Football Playoff contention. Thanks to its win over Ohio State, the team could become the first to reach the field with three losses. But if the Longhorns were to miss the playoff entirely after their Week 5 position, the frustration currently confined to online chatter could turn into a genuine review of options in Austin.[S1]
