Sat Nov 22 22:50:00 UTC 2025: Longhorns Coach Sarkisian Sidesteps Playoff Talk, Focuses on “Scary” Arkansas Matchup
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian appears to be downplaying playoff hopes, instead emphasizing the immediate challenge of facing the Arkansas Razorbacks this weekend. Coming off a 35-10 defeat against Georgia, Sarkisian bristled at questions about his team’s performance this season, deflecting criticism about preseason rankings and perceived underachievement.
“According to who?” Sarkisian retorted when questioned about the team underachieving. He further dismissed the weight of preseason polls that had placed the Longhorns at the top.
Sarkisian is instead steering the conversation towards Arkansas (2-8, 0-6), despite their losing record. He acknowledged the Razorbacks’ offensive capabilities, pointing out their high-scoring offense which averages 34.1 points and 470.0 yards per game. He noted several of their losses have been close, indicating a team that consistently puts up a fight.
Texas edge rusher Ethan Burke echoed Sarkisian’s sentiments, saying “The record might not show they’re having a great year, but in reality, all their games are close with the best teams in the country.”
While Arkansas struggles defensively, particularly against the pass, allowing 245.3 passing yards per game, the Longhorns’ own receiving corps is under scrutiny after multiple dropped passes contributed to the Georgia loss. Receivers like Ryan Wingo, Jordan Washington and DeAndre Moore Jr. all had critical drops.
Quarterback Arch Manning defended his receivers, attributing the miscues to human error and emphasizing the importance of moving forward. Running back CJ Baxter urged his teammates to focus on fundamentals: “Just catch the ball.”
Despite losing key receivers from last season, Wingo has emerged as the leading receiver. But the receiving corps has struggled to find consistent production beyond Wingo, with the team working to develop better continuity. “Nobody wants to drop the ball. Nobody goes out there and breaks the huddle and says, ‘Hey, I’m going to drop this ball and I feel good about it,'” Sarkisian said. “They’re all trying really hard.”
With a difficult opponent in Arkansas and the looming specter of Texas A&M next week, Sarkisian seems determined to keep his team focused on the present, rather than dwelling on past setbacks or potential future playoff implications.
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