Controversy arises as Who should the Longhorns bring to SEC media days later this month

The Texas Longhorns are officially making their SEC debut at Media Days in Atlanta—an event packed with national attention and scrutiny. Selecting the right representatives isn’t just ceremonial; it’s about projecting identity, confidence, and clarity heading into a new era. With SEC Media Days scheduled for July 15–17 at the College Football Hall of Fame, the Longhorns must decide carefully on their lineup of spokespeople: coach, quarterback, offensive lineman, defensive stalwart, or rising star.

Here’s a breakdown of the best choices—and why they matter.

🧠 1. Head Coach Steve Sarkisian – The Leader at the Podium

No lineup is complete without Steve Sarkisian leading the charge. He’s guided Texas from mediocrity to a 12–2 record in 2023, a Big 12 title, and its first College Football Playoff since 2009. Sarkisian brings credibility, clarity, and vision at the podium—qualities vital for announcing Texas as an equal competitor in the SEC. He’ll need to address:

• How Texas plans to compete week in and out,

• The expectation for SEC championships,

• His strategy for maintaining roster continuity amidst .

At Media Days last year, Sarkisian drew the most attention—cameras flocked when he spoke, reinforcing his status as the public face of the program .

🏈 2. Quarterback Quinn Ewers – The Signal-Caller with Star Power

Texans fans know that who stands behind the quarterback microphone speaks volumes. Quinn Ewers, who earned over 3,400 passing yards, a 69% completion rate, and was a Heisman candidate, is arguably the season’s most impactful voice .

Ewers embodies confidence, decorum, and relatability—essential at a media circus. He can articulate offensive ambitions, acknowledge departures of key receivers, and show leadership transitioning into the SEC. His presence answers questions on offense and reinforces Texas’s top-tier QB stability.

🛡 3. Left Tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. – The Unheralded Foundation

SEC Line play is fundamental. Kelvin Banks Jr., a projected first-round NFL draft pick, solidifies that front line. As Ewers’s blindside protector, Banks provides coaching points on:

• Offensive line dominance,

• Physicality of SEC football,

• His growth under OC Kyle Flood.

Including Banks allows Texas to project depth and positional strength—crucial when addressing analysts who assume SEC will punish Texas’s revived offense.

🔐 4. Defensive Back Jahdae Barron – The Defensive Voice

While a defensive representative is optional, having Jahdae Barron—a player who tallied 59 tackles and 5 pass defenses—adds balance to the spotlight . He offers:

• Insights on adapting to SEC-caliber receivers,

• Confidence after standout seasons,

• Defensive vision under DC .

Barron also becomes the go-to for questions on depth in the secondary, which critics flagged as a weakness earlier.

🌟 5. Arch Manning – The Fresh Start Sensation

Trouble-free publicity is guaranteed with Arch Manning, but the timing is key. Reports suggest Arch might attend , though his public readiness is unclear. If Texas plans to include him:

• It signals future optimism,

• Delivers buzz-worthy headlines,

• Invokes instant strength in recruiting.

However, if he isn’t fully ready or if Texas wants to limit exposure, they may hold off until Manning can answer questions confidently.

🤩 6. Emerging Star (e.g. Colin Simmons or Anthony Hill Jr.)

Texas could add a breakout player like Colin Simmons (5-star EDGE) or Anthony Hill Jr. (All-American linebacker) to showcase youth development. This move:

• Projects the future of Texas defense,

• Bolsters recruiting messaging,

• Demonstrates depth beyond senior leadership.

Though optional, this approach highlights Texas as building for long-term success—vital in an era where team brands hybridize winning now with sustainability.

📅 Optimal Media Days Roster

Based on past Big 12 entries and SEC protocol:

• Day 1 – July 15: Coach Sarkisian, Quinn Ewers, Kelvin Banks Jr.

• Day 2 – July 16: Jahdae Barron, and optionally Arch Manning or another star.

• Day 3 – July 17: Alternates or backups if Texas reserves spokesman time.

This team covers offense, defense, leadership, depth, and future ceiling.

🔍 Why These Choices Matter

1. Strategic Positioning

   • Sark and Ewers send the message: We’re serious contenders.

   • Banks and Barron reassure critics about line and secondary quality.

2. Balancing Experience & Aspirational Stars

   • Combining veteran leadership (Ewers, Sark) with future-facing talents (Arch, Simmons) solidifies Texas’s identity.

3. Maximizing Media Attention

   • Sarkisian led Media Days before

   • Arch Manning presence will dominate headlines.

   • Ewers and Banks legitimize on-field expectations.

4. Recruiting & Branding

   • Having 2024 draftees and 2025 draft prospects on stage screams success.

   • A fresh face (e.g., Simmons) highlights upward trajectory.

🗣 Press Training and Messaging Prep

The SEC media stage is high-fire. Texas must:

• Provide key talking points: handling SEC defenses, depth, leadership, adapting to rigors.

• Prep players on questions to expect: SEC vs Big 12, rivalries (Georgia, Texas A&M, Oklahoma), conference transition.

• Include a media bootcamp: mock interviews and messaging discipline.

⚖️ Risk Assessment

• Arch Manning: Big star but can stir sensitive media scrutiny if not ready.

• Too many players: Dilutes focus. Better fewer, stronger voices.

• Defensive representative: Helps balance but historically less impactful.

✅ Final Recommendation

• Mandatory: Steve Sarkisian, Quinn Ewers, Kelvin Banks Jr.

• Advised: Arch Manning (if ready), Jahdae Barron.

• Bonus: A rising junior or freshman star (e.g. Simmons or Hill Jr.).

This mix provides a powerful narrative arc: from established dominance (Big 12 success, NFL prospects) through coverage of depth and youth, to future brand building (Manning), all under confident leadership.