Texas Longhorns Coach Discusses Recruiting Challenges
Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team, is gearing up for the last game of the current season, yet he’s already focused on recruiting for 2026 and beyond. This shift in attention reflects a broader trend across college athletics, especially since the inception of name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements, which have transformed recruiting into a financial contest.
In Sarkisian’s view, one critical issue within this evolving system is the unregulated nature of agents representing athletes in NIL negotiations before they even step foot on campus. He raises a valid point: “Which agents are you working with? Some agents are reasonable, but some are just starting out,” he mentioned to reporters. “We can’t be sure if they’re even licensed because there’s no mandatory certification process for college football agents, unlike the NFL.” It’s a bit concerning when he added that a player’s freshman roommate could potentially be their agent.
As the Longhorns prepare to face the Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, Sarkisian also addressed the task ahead to fill in key player gaps, particularly after running back Quintrevion Wisner entered the transfer portal. Sarkisian mentioned the need to be strategic about recruiting, reflecting on the “luxuries” of their current roster while keeping an eye on upcoming high school talent for the 2026 class.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Sarkisian is actively navigating the transfer portal and acknowledges, somewhat lightheartedly, that he’ll be on the phone with his agent discussing future possibilities. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that,” he shared, acknowledging the financial aspects influencing college rosters. “I just have to tighten up. Hopefully, I can get there sooner rather than later, but I’ll probably be on the phone with my agent today, and he’ll say to me, ‘Good luck, I hope you understand, and when you do, call me back.'” It’s clear that the recruiting landscape is ever-changing.
Interestingly, the University of Texas stands out due to its considerable NIL funding compared to lower-level programs. Notably, quarterback Arch Manning, currently the highest-paid NIL athlete in college football, will stay with the team through 2026 and looks forward to his first bowl game start on New Year’s Eve. Texas’s financial commitment to NIL was substantial in 2025, with a budget of $22.2 million, positioning them at the forefront of college football programs.
