Texas HC Steve Sarkisian does not shy away from expectations ahead of 2026 season

The Texas Longhorns are coming off a third consecutive 10-win season under head coach Steve Sarkisian, but their season ultimately fell short of expectations after failing to qualify for the College Football Playoff.

A sluggish 14-7 Week 1 loss to Ohio State set the tone for what was ahead as the Longhorns would go on to lose two more games before taking down Michigan, 41-27, to win the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

With the return of Heisman contender Arch Manning at quarterback and one of the most talented rosters in the country, the expectations are as high as they have ever been for a Texas program that is accustomed to winning. While Sarkisian acknowledged the external expectations, he made it clear that they are even higher from within.

Steve Sarkisian does not hide excitement for 2026 Texas squad

“We compete for championships. It doesn’t matter what conference we’re in. … And this year’s no different for us,” Sarkisian said during an appearance on Thursday’s edition of ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” “I know there’s expectations of what we’re supposed to be outside of our organization, but I can promise you they’re higher within. We’ve got a very hungry football team.

"We understand we’re a talented football team. It’s not a secret, but we’ve got to make that come to life. We’ve got to continue to come together as a football team. We’ve got to show that we can respond to adversity. We’ve got to show that we can go win those games, those big games on the road, those big games in December and ultimately into January. That’s what this team is going to be tasked with from Week 1 moving forward and so, it’s exciting because I like the team, but now we’ve got to go put it on the field and make it come to life.”