The Texas Longhorns made a big splash in the college football world this summer by officially joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Head coach Steve Sarkisian, who has had experience coaching in the SEC before, expressed his excitement and respect for the conference during his appearance at SEC Media Days in Dallas.
Sarkisian shared his awe at the grandeur of the SEC as he and his team were given a police escort to the media event upon landing in Dallas. He humorously pointed out the famous SEC motto, “It just means more,” highlighting the significance of the move for Texas to the powerhouse conference.
Acknowledging the elite status of the SEC, Sarkisian emphasized the importance of respect in the Longhorns’ transition to the conference. He stressed that Texas will have to earn the respect of their new SEC opponents, coaches, and fans, recognizing the competitive nature of the league.
Having previously worked under legendary coach Nick Saban at Alabama, Sarkisian expressed his gratitude towards Saban for his mentorship and the impact he had on his coaching career. Saban, who retired last winter, attended SEC Media Days, and Sarkisian publicly thanked him for his guidance.
Addressing Saban’s earlier comment that Texas “is not gonna run the SEC,” Sarkisian jokingly mentioned that he needed to have a chat with his former boss about that statement. Despite the playful banter, Sarkisian and the Longhorns are focused on making a strong entry into the SEC and proving themselves against tough competition.
Texas enters the SEC on the heels of a successful season that saw them make the College Football Playoff for the first time in over a decade. With promising quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers and top recruit Arch Manning, the Longhorns are poised to make a statement in their new conference.
Sarkisian expressed confidence in his quarterback room and highlighted the potential of Arch Manning, acknowledging the young quarterback’s aspirations to compete in the best conference in college football and eventually make a mark in the NFL.
As Texas embarks on this new chapter in the SEC, Sarkisian and the Longhorns are focused on earning respect, competing at a high level, and making their mark in one of the most prestigious conferences in college football. The journey ahead promises to be exciting and challenging, but Texas is ready to embrace the opportunity and showcase their talent on the big stage.
