Steve Sarkisian Calls Out Texas Longhorns Very Unique 2025 Schedule

Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, August 14th 2025 at 8:47 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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The Texas Longhorns have known their 2025 schedule for months now, but even after all this time, it's still a very odd one. By far the most notable quirk of the

Steve Sarkisian Highlights Texas Longhorns' 'Very Unique' 2025 Football Schedule

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, where conference realignments and scheduling intricacies continue to shape the sport, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian recently shared his thoughts on what he describes as a "very unique" 2025 schedule for his team. As the Longhorns settle into their new home in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the upcoming slate of games presents a mix of formidable challenges, high-stakes rivalries, and intriguing logistical elements that set it apart from previous years. Sarkisian, known for his strategic acumen and ability to motivate his players, didn't hold back in expressing both the excitement and the hurdles this schedule brings, emphasizing how it could define the team's season and test their mettle on a national stage.

The 2025 schedule kicks off with a bang, featuring a non-conference matchup that immediately raises eyebrows: a road game against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus. This early-season clash against one of college football's perennial powerhouses is no small feat, especially considering the hostile environment of Ohio Stadium, often referred to as "The Horseshoe." Sarkisian pointed out the uniqueness here, noting that facing a Big Ten giant like Ohio State away from home sets a tone of adversity right from the start. "It's very unique," Sarkisian remarked in a recent press interaction, underscoring how this game diverges from traditional scheduling norms where teams might ease into the season with lighter opponents. Instead, Texas will be thrust into a high-pressure scenario, battling not just the Buckeyes' talented roster but also the passionate fanbase and potential early-season weather variables in the Midwest.

Following that opener, the Longhorns' schedule dives headfirst into SEC play, blending new conference foes with longstanding rivalries. One of the standout features Sarkisian highlighted is the road trip to Gainesville to face the Florida Gators. This matchup adds another layer of intrigue, as Texas ventures into "The Swamp," a venue notorious for its humid conditions and raucous atmosphere. Sarkisian elaborated on how this game represents the fresh dynamics of SEC membership, where Texas must adapt to unfamiliar territories and styles of play. Unlike their previous Big 12 days, where road games might have been more regionally concentrated, this schedule scatters the Longhorns across the Southeast and beyond, demanding peak physical and mental preparation.

At home, the schedule offers some balance with marquee games that promise to electrify Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. A highlight is the home contest against the Georgia Bulldogs, the defending SEC champions and a team that has dominated the conference in recent years under head coach Kirby Smart. Sarkisian called this out as a pivotal opportunity, describing it as a chance for Texas to assert itself in the SEC hierarchy. "Hosting Georgia is huge for us," he said, emphasizing the recruiting and fan engagement benefits of such a high-profile game in Austin. This matchup could very well be a preview of potential SEC Championship or College Football Playoff implications, given both teams' aspirations for national contention.

No discussion of Texas football would be complete without mentioning the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners. In 2025, this iconic game retains its neutral-site status at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, a tradition that Sarkisian appreciates for its historical significance. He noted how this fixture, amidst the unique schedule, serves as a familiar anchor point. "The Red River game is always special, but in this context, it's a constant in a sea of changes," Sarkisian explained. The rivalry's intensity, combined with both teams now in the SEC, adds an extra competitive edge, as bragging rights extend beyond state lines into conference standings.

Sarkisian delved deeper into what makes the 2025 schedule so distinctive, pointing out the absence of a major non-conference home game against a power opponent. Instead, the emphasis is on road tests that build resilience. "We don't have that big home non-con game, but we've got these massive road trips," he observed. This setup, while challenging, aligns with Sarkisian's philosophy of embracing toughness. He believes it will forge a battle-tested squad capable of handling the rigors of an expanded playoff format. The coach also touched on the bye weeks and sequencing, noting how the schedule includes strategic breaks that could allow for recovery after grueling stretches, such as back-to-back road games or rivalry weeks.

Beyond the games themselves, Sarkisian discussed the broader implications for the program. As Texas transitions fully into the SEC after their inaugural season, this schedule underscores the elevated competition level. Games against teams like Texas A&M in the revived Lone Star Showdown, which returns to the calendar, add to the narrative. Sarkisian expressed optimism about how these matchups will captivate fans and boost attendance, potentially leading to record crowds in Austin. He also hinted at the recruiting advantages, as top prospects are drawn to programs facing elite competition week in and week out.

In reflecting on the schedule's uniqueness, Sarkisian drew parallels to his own coaching journey, from his time at Washington and USC to his current role at Texas. He sees it as an opportunity to innovate in preparation, perhaps incorporating more virtual reality training for simulating road environments or emphasizing mental conditioning to combat travel fatigue. "This isn't your standard schedule; it's going to require us to be at our best every single week," he stated, rallying his team around the idea that overcoming such a slate could propel them toward a championship run.

Critics might argue that the schedule's road-heavy nature could lead to fatigue or injury risks, but Sarkisian counters this by focusing on depth and development. With a roster bolstered by recent recruiting classes and transfers, Texas is positioned to rotate players effectively. He mentioned key positions like the offensive line and secondary, where experience from the 2024 season will be crucial in navigating these challenges.

Ultimately, Sarkisian's commentary paints the 2025 schedule as more than just a list of opponents—it's a storyline of ambition, adaptation, and aspiration for the Texas Longhorns. As the team aims to build on recent successes, including playoff appearances, this unique slate could be the catalyst for elevating the program to new heights. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see if Sarkisian's vision translates into on-field triumphs. With the blend of historic rivalries, new conference battles, and high-stakes non-conference tests, the 2025 season promises to be one for the ages in Austin, solidifying Texas's place in the upper echelon of college football. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/college/texas/football/steve-sarkisian-calls-out-texas-longhorns-very-unique-2025-schedule ]

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