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22m ago

Unranked Texas Reels as Sarkisian Defends Manning, Offensive Line Under Fire

Sarkisian publicly backs his freshman quarterback, with protection woes plus a stalled run game now under the microscope before Oklahoma.

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI - SEPTEMBER 27: Head coach Brian Kelly of the LSU Tigers and Head coach Lane Kiffin of the Mississippi Rebels before the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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AUSTIN, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 13: Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns watches players warm up before the game against the UTEP Miners at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Texas fell to 3-2 and dropped out of the AP Top 25 after a 29-21 loss at Florida, with No. 6 Oklahoma next at the Cotton Bowl.
  • Florida sacked Arch Manning six times and held Texas to 52 rushing yards as pre-snap penalties, including five false starts, derailed drives.
  • Sarkisian praised Manning’s toughness and argued few teams would fare well at Ohio State or The Swamp, a comment that drew online backlash.
  • Roster-building choices face renewed scrutiny after Texas declined to add transfer offensive linemen despite losing four starters from last season.
  • Texas is preparing for Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer to start, while outside calls to bench Manning persist despite no clear superior backup option.