The Texas Longhorns are deep into the grind of a season that has them squarely in the hunt for a Big 12 championship and a possible berth in the College Football Playoff. Head coach Steve Sarkisian is embracing every moment of it, including the intense, fiery practices that come with preparation for key matchups. Ahead of their game against the Kansas State Wildcats, Sarkisian made a revealing — and somewhat humorous — comment: he might be “a little sick” for enjoying the ultra-competitive nature of his team’s practices.
Sarkisian’s remark came after the Longhorns wrapped up a spirited session earlier this week. “It’s intense out there,” Sarkisian said. “There’s trash talk, guys going at each other, and honestly, I kind of love it. Maybe I’m a little sick, but it shows me they care. It shows me they’re invested.”
For Sarkisian, this edge isn’t just about emotion. It’s about culture. When he arrived in Austin in 2021, one of his primary goals was to instill a mindset of accountability and toughness within the program. The Longhorns’ past struggles often stemmed from inconsistency — both in games and during preparation. Sarkisian’s vision involved creating an environment where competition thrived, not only against opponents but within the locker room and on the practice field. That vision appears to be coming to fruition.
The Longhorns (8-1) have built a reputation this season for being one of the grittiest teams in college football. While the offense, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers and a deep stable of playmakers, often garners the headlines, the defense has been equally formidable. Sarkisian credits this balance to the energy his team brings to practice.
“It’s not just about being fired up on Saturdays,” Sarkisian explained. “It’s about what you do Monday through Friday. That’s where you win games. I see that in our guys right now.”
As Texas prepares to face Kansas State, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Wildcats are riding a wave of momentum, and their physical style of play will test the Longhorns on both sides of the ball. Kansas State boasts a dynamic rushing attack and a defense that thrives on disrupting offensive rhythm, making them a dangerous opponent for a Texas team that is still without Ewers as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
In Ewers’ absence, redshirt freshman Maalik Murphy has stepped into the starting quarterback role. Murphy’s development has been a key storyline, and Sarkisian believes the intensity of practice has played a significant role in helping the young signal-caller prepare for the pressure of game day.
“When you have a defense that’s flying around and guys who aren’t afraid to challenge each other, it forces you to step up,” Sarkisian said. “Maalik’s been thrown into the fire, and he’s responded well. That’s a credit to him, but it’s also a credit to the guys around him.”
The competitiveness extends beyond the quarterbacks. Sarkisian has praised the entire team for their willingness to embrace the grind, even during what he called “chippy” moments.
“There are times when I have to step in and calm things down,” Sarkisian admitted. “But I’d much rather have a team that’s passionate and intense than one that’s going through the motions. This group isn’t afraid to push each other, and that’s a big reason we’re in the position we’re in.”
Texas fans hope that Sarkisian’s “sick” enjoyment of these feisty practices pays dividends on Saturday when the Longhorns face one of their toughest tests of the season. With the Big 12 championship game and a shot at the College Football Playoff potentially on the line, Sarkisian knows there’s no room for complacency.
“I tell the guys all the time: iron sharpens iron,” Sarkisian said. “What we’re doing out here prepares us for what’s coming. Kansas State’s going to bring it, and we’ve got to be ready.”
Sarkisian’s candor about his enthusiasm for competitive practices offers a glimpse into his coaching philosophy. He understands that football is as much about mindset as it is about Xs and Os. For the Longhorns, that mindset could make all the difference as they march toward their ultimate goals.