Steve Sarkisian refuses to take the easy way out like other SEC programs

Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian looks on before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn ImagesOver the past month or so, a couple of SEC programs have cancelled some of their high-level non-conference games due to the SEC moving from an 8 to a 9-game conference schedule.

Unlike those teams, Texas isn't afraid of competition, and Steve Sarkisian confirmed it multiple times early on in the year. Both he and AD Chris Del Conte have confirmed on at least two different occasions that the Longhorns won't be opting out of their matchups against teams like Ohio…