Steve Sarkisian shares his true feelings about Texas’ controversial social media post after beating Texas A&M in 2025
Steve Sarkisian wasn’t a fan of what the Texas Longhorns’ social media department pulled after beating the Aggies last year, and he’s letting everyone know about it in as few words as possible.
Steve Sarkisian made one thing clear during his time in the media room at the 2026 SEC Media Days: the Texas Longhorns are not interested in providing bulletin board material. When asked about a social media post from the team’s account that resurfaced a clip of Texas A&M coach Mike Elko calling the Aggies the flagship university of the state, followed by a “psych” edit after the Longhorns’ rivalry win, Sarkisian’s demeanor shifted immediately.
“I was not happy about it,” Sarkisian said, and that was all he wanted to say on the matter.
The post itself was surprising enough. But what Sarkisian’s reaction tells you is far more significant than the tweet itself. Texas knows it carries a target on its back every single week. Whether Arch Manning is under center or not, the Longhorns are one of the biggest brands in all of sports, and certainly in college football. That kind of profile invites scrutiny from every direction. Sarkisian has no interest in adding fuel to the fire with unnecessary jabs at opponents.
Texas players are echoing the same message
The discipline isn’t limited to the head coach. When I asked defensive end Colin Simmons whether he wanted to record a sack on Ohio State QB Julian Sayin this time around, after making similar comments ahead of last year’s matchup, Simmons kept it simple.
“I just want to win the game,” Simmons said.
That kind of locked-in response from a player who could easily play into the rivalry hype tells you everything about the culture Sarkisian is building in Austin. There’s no room for extra noise. There’s no appetite for manufactured drama. The focus is entirely on the season ahead.
Steve Sarkisian facts
- Former HC of Washington Huskies.
- Former HC of USC Trojans.
- Former OC of Alabama Crimson Tide.
Why this matters for Texas heading into the fall
The truth is, a program like Texas doesn’t need social media stunts to establish dominance over its rivals. The Longhorns proved their standing on the field, and Sarkisian knows that keeping his players and his program above the fray is the smarter long-term play. Posting petty clips might get engagement online, but it also gives opponents something to rally around.
Sarkisian’s response was measured and direct, which is exactly the tone you want from the head coach of a program with championship aspirations. He wasn’t interested in relitigating a social media decision that was already made. He addressed it, made clear he didn’t approve, and moved on.
For Texas fans, the takeaway should be encouraging. This is a team that isn’t looking to create distractions for itself. The Longhorns are blocking out outside noise, staying disciplined, and keeping their eyes on what matters. That kind of focus, from the head coach down to the pass rushers, is what separates programs that sustain success from those that peak and fade.