Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns rolled into the 2025 season as one of the most hyped teams. Courtesy? Their quarterback, Arch Manning, and his heavy last name. But in their first attempt itself, they stepped on a loose stepping stone and drowned with a 14-7 loss against Ohio State. Even though Sarkisian’s squad got clean and dry with a 38-7 victory over San Jose State, the victory against a weaker opponent is not enough to ward off the bitter aftertaste of their season opener loss. It’s prep time again for Sarkisian and Co. This weekend, they are going to face off against UTEP. Turns out that the head coach has ticked off some of the points that he wants from his boys during the pre-game conference.

Both the Longhorns and Miners now stand at the same place, holding a split 1-1 record heading into week 3 of college football. UTEP suffered a major 28-16 fall against Utah State and rebounded with a 42-17 victory over U-Martin in week 2.

On September 10, Sports Anchor Cory Mose shared a clip of Sarkisian’s interview that has something to look out for on Saturday, September 13. The head coach challenged his own players. He said,  “I just got done telling the guys today, I know we have a lot of guys on our team that wish they played more Saturday.” Sarkisian reiterated, “Well, and I know their buddies on the team wish they played more Saturday. We’ll play better earlier in the game, and then those guys can get in the game sooner.” 

The head coach worries about everyone. For instance, according to him, in the past two games, some probably only got a handful of snaps, or none at all. And he pretty well knows that his players want to give their ‘buddies’ chances to shine. So, what’s the need of the hour during their face-off against UTEP?

The players who are higher on the depth chart, the starters, set the tone. If they dominate early, then the backups can play more. Sarksian summed up the essentiality of team spirit, “So, we all got to help each other out. All right.”

Not only for his players to have the same opportunity, Sarkisian’s squad needs to play as a team when facing off against the Miners. After all, UTEP’s defensive unit has demonstrated to be a true force. With two games under their belt, UTEP has already racked up 10 sacks from various players. But amidst fortifying his fortress, Sarkisian’s eyes are now stuck on the 2026 class, and he must be feeling a pricking pain in the heart.

Steve Sarkisian’s high hopes for a hot recruit went for a toss

The college football programs ran a long marathon to bag their much-coveted prize, the commitment from five-star cornerback Havon Finney Jr. The Los Angeles, California, defender was almost done docking his wagon in Michigan, but the plans changed. He reclassified to 2026 to speed up his recruitment process. And in April, he committed to LSU. Thanks to the efforts put in by the Tigers’ position coach, Corey Raymond. 

However, Kelly and co. still could not get their goodnight’s sleep. That’s because Sarkisian’s Texas kept haunting them in their dream. The Longhorns, along with Miami and Auburn, kept running the race to woo Finney. But Sarkisian’s squad was said to have been an advantage. That’s because Finney was represented by Athletes’ First’s David Mulugheta, who is a Texas alum. But while Sarkisian and Co. kept hoping against hope, they learned something heartbreaking.

“Colleges are still trying to get at me, but I’m 100 percent committed still,” Finney said. “I love coach Raymond, I love the whole coaching staff honestly. They show me a lot of love, and they keep the connection going, reaching out before games. I’m still 100 percent committed.” While trying to move on from Finney, Sarkisian now has to take accountability after his speech on Arch Manning’s injury went too far.

When, after the San Jose State game, reporters asked the head coach about Arch Manning’s injury, Coach Sark went overboard with his answers. While he shut down Manning’s injury speculations, he ended with a sharp, insulting remark, “I’ve never filmed any of you guys when you’re using the restroom.” And it did not sit well with Sarkisian and Manning’s biggest hypeman, Paul Finebaum, who called it “disgusting.” So, with their coach’s patience worn thin, his guys better not slip up against UTEP.