Steve Sarkisian reveals shocking challenge with President Trump attending Texas-Tennessee matchup

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Steve Sarkisian reveals shocking challenge with President Trump attending Texas-Tennessee matchup

By Steven Kubitza | Last updated Sep 24, 2026 5:48 PM ET

Saturday's marquee matchup between the Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers has some added intrigue now that President Donald Trump announced he will be in attendance.

His presence means the security at Neyland Stadium will be heightened before, during and after the game.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian revealed how both teams will be impacted by the security measures put in place.

Texas-Tennessee matchup will feature unique communication challenge

Sarkisian spoke to the media Thursday and explained how all headset communication gets cut off when Trump enters and leaves the stadium, and also when he changes locations.

“Anytime he enters the stadium or leaves the stadium or changes locations within the stadium, they cut all communication.”

Texas HC Steve Sarkisian on President Trump’s reported visit to Tennessee-Texas. pic.twitter.com/a4QTRCRa1S
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 24, 2026

The part affecting both teams will be communication going out during the game if Trump moves locations. Could a bathroom break end up impacting the game in a big way?

This is a unique challenge and one that could strike at any moment during the game. Both teams must now prepare to potentially lose all communications at any time, as Sarkisian explained there is no warning.

One scenario the head coach brought up is Trump leaving the game during the fourth quarter. That could mean the teams lose all headset communication at the most crucial point in the game.

Texas is ranked No. 1 in the nation and is looking to keep that spot against a No. 14-ranked Tennessee team that has yet to face a real test so far this season. The Longhorns, meanwhile, already took down a former No. 1-ranked team in Ohio State.

Trump being in attendance only adds to the intrigue of the most must-see game of the weekend.

Steven Kubitza

Steven Kubitza is a Cleveland, Ohio, native with over a decade in the news industry. His work has been featured on Yahoo Sports, FOX Sports, and FanSided, among other outlets. He is a lifelong Browns fan who is convinced the team will turn things around at some point in the next 50 years

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