The echoes of disappointment rang loud and clear through Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday as the Longhorns stumbled out of the gate against Ohio State, and the finger-pointing has already begun. For a fanbase that has waited years for a return to national prominence, watching their team fall behind by three scores before halftime was the final straw for many.
It didn't take long for things to unravel. On the very first play from scrimmage, a fumble gifted the Buckeyes a field goal. Then, a tipped pass off a dropped Arch Manning throw turned into an interception and a quick Ohio State touchdown. Just like that, the Longhorns were staring at a 10-0 deficit within the first ten minutes.
Texas managed to get on the board with a field goal, but Ohio State answered right back. A failed fourth-down conversion at midfield gave the Buckeyes prime field position, and they capitalized with a touchdown to take a commanding 20-3 lead into the locker room. The mood among the burnt orange faithful was toxic.
Social media erupted with frustration aimed squarely at head coach Steve Sarkisian. Now in his sixth season, the Longhorns are staring at a combined 0-6 record against Ohio State and Georgia if this result holds. Fans argue that the talent on the roster is elite, but the preparation and in-game decisions are not.
“A coaching masterclass for Ohio State and a disasterclass for Texas. Same ol’ story for Steve Sarkisian in big games during his tenure,” one fan posted on X.
Another wrote, “Texas has spent a ton of money building this roster. Talent is NOT the issue. At some point, Sarkisian has to be held accountable for how poorly he coaches in big games. So many questionable decisions and play calling by him. He handed Ohio State that last TD. Embarrassing job.”
The criticism isn't just coming from the stands. Analysts and rival fans have piled on, with one commenter noting, “Coaches around the country just have to shake their heads at all the resources Steve Sarkisian squanders on a yearly basis. Has to be sickening.”
But moving on from Sarkisian won't be cheap. His buyout is reportedly a staggering $36.5 million if Texas were to make a change before the end of the season. While the athletic department has deep pockets, they've historically preferred stability over constant turnover.
This loss is another painful reminder of the gap between Texas and the true elite of college football. The Longhorns have recruited at a top-five level, but results in marquee matchups have been consistently disappointing. For a program that prides itself on being back among the nation's best, this performance was a brutal reality check.
As the second half unfolds, the questions will only grow louder. Can Sarkisian turn this around? Or is this the beginning of the end? For now, the fanbase has made its feelings clear: patience is wearing thin.
For more on the growing unrest in Austin, check out Dan Lanning's hot seat situation after a similar collapse. And if you're wondering about the financial side of college football, this ticket price breakdown shows just how much is at stake.
