Steve Sarkisian on Preventing His Players from Planting the Texas Flag on the Texas A&M Logo
The rivalry between the University of Texas and Texas A&M is one of the most storied in college football, marked by intense competition, historical pride, and no shortage of drama. When the two teams faced off again in 2024 after a long hiatus due to conference realignments, the stakes were higher than ever. While the Longhorns emerged victorious in the much-anticipated matchup, head coach Steve Sarkisian made headlines not only for his team’s performance but also for his leadership in ensuring sportsmanship prevailed in the aftermath of the game.
Sarkisian, anticipating heightened emotions following the game, took a proactive approach in preventing his players from planting the Texas flag on the Texas A&M logo at midfield—a gesture that would undoubtedly have ignited further tensions.
The Texas-Texas A&M rivalry, often referred to as the “Lone Star Showdown,” dates back to 1894. Over the years, the rivalry has been defined by heated contests, memorable moments, and deep-seated animosity between the fan bases.
After Texas A&M’s move to the SEC in 2012, the rivalry was put on hold for over a decade. Its return in 2024 reignited passions on both sides, with fans, players, and alumni eagerly awaiting the chance to assert dominance in the state of Texas.
The game itself was a nail-biter, with Texas pulling off a hard-fought victory in College Station. As the final whistle blew, the Longhorns celebrated their triumph. However, Sarkisian quickly intervened when he saw some of his players considering planting the Texas flag on the Aggies’ midfield logo—a symbolic act that has sparked controversy in other rivalries across college football.
Sarkisian addressed the situation head-on, calling his players back and reminding them of the importance of sportsmanship. In the postgame press conference, he explained his decision:
“We have a tremendous amount of respect for Texas A&M, their players, their coaches, and their program,” Sarkisian said. “This rivalry is bigger than one game. It’s about the state of Texas, its history, and its future. I told our players to celebrate with their teammates, our fans, and our school, but to do it the right way.”
Sarkisian emphasized the value of respecting opponents, even in victory, and the responsibility his players have as representatives of the University of Texas.
In today’s college football landscape, where emotions often boil over into postgame theatrics, Sarkisian’s actions were a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure and class. Planting a flag on an opponent’s logo has become a controversial symbol, seen by some as a triumphant gesture but by others as disrespectful.
Sarkisian’s decision to prevent such an act reflects his broader philosophy of accountability and discipline. “Winning is about more than just the scoreboard,” he said. “It’s about how you handle yourself, how you represent your program, and how you honor the game.”
The decision drew praise from many in the college football world, including Texas fans who appreciated Sarkisian’s focus on integrity. Others viewed it as a missed opportunity to add a dramatic moment to the rivalry’s lore, but the majority acknowledged that Sarkisian’s leadership helped maintain the rivalry’s respectability.
Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher also expressed appreciation for Sarkisian’s actions, noting that the gesture helped diffuse potential animosity between the two programs.
For Sarkisian, the decision was about more than avoiding conflict. It was about setting a standard for his players and reinforcing the culture he has worked to build at Texas. Since taking over the program, Sarkisian has emphasized discipline, respect, and a team-first mentality—all of which were on display in this moment.
“We want to win games and championships, but we also want to do it the right way,” Sarkisian said. “That’s the kind of program we’re building here.”
Steve Sarkisian’s leadership in preventing his players from planting the Texas flag on the Texas A&M logo showcased his commitment to sportsmanship and respect. In the heat of one of college football’s fiercest rivalries, Sarkisian demonstrated the importance of maintaining composure and honoring the game.
As the Longhorns and Aggies renew their rivalry in the coming years, moments like these will serve as a reminder that competition and respect can go hand in hand. For Sarkisian and his team, the focus remains on building a program that wins with class—on and off the field.