Sun Nov 16 00:40:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Sarkisian Voices Frustration with SEC Scheduling Disparities

Athens, GA – Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has expressed his dissatisfaction with the scheduling inconsistencies within the SEC, particularly regarding the timing of non-conference games. Sarkisian’s comments come as the Longhorns, who had the latest start to conference play of any SEC program this season, prepare for a challenging end to their season, including a road matchup against Georgia and home rivalry games against Arkansas and Texas A&M.

Sarkisian highlighted the advantage some teams have by strategically placing non-conference games later in the season, allowing them to enter crucial SEC matchups at full health. He noted that Texas, in contrast, played all of its non-conference games early in the season.

“I don’t think there’s enough continuity from a scheduling standpoint in the SEC,” Sarkisian said. “I just think there’s some distinct advantages that some people have or they spread out their non-conference games throughout the season, and they play non-conference games the second last game of the season, and we’re playing all of ours in the front end.”

The SEC is moving towards a model that will require each team to play a Power Four opponent in addition to an expanding nine-game conference schedule, however, Sarkisian is still working to find opportunities to schedule late-season non-conference games.

Despite his concerns, Sarkisian remains focused on the task at hand. “I don’t love our schedule, but it’s our schedule, and so I do love it in the same breath, because it is what it is,” he said. “You play the schedule, you play the hand you’re dealt.”

The Longhorns head to Athens in a must-win situation.

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