Saturday afternoon marks a historic moment for Texas as they host their first-ever College Football Playoff game. The Longhorns are set to face off against Clemson at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, kicking off the much-anticipated 12-team CFP. Fans are buzzing with excitement, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the next round.
Steve Sarkisian and the transfer portal challenge
However, the excitement of the playoff has not overshadowed the challenges that Steve Sarkisian and his coaching staff have faced in recent days. For the past 11 days, they have been deeply engaged in the transfer portal, which opened just one day after the final CFP rankings were revealed. With around 2,000 players entering the portal, it has created a whirlwind of activity for Sarkisian and his team.
“It’s pretty tough, I’ll be honest with you,” Sarkisian shared during an appearance on The Paul Finebaum Show. “And I think there was a lot of good intentions into what we did – moving the signing day up to the Wednesday before the championship weekend, which was fine. Hey, we signed a heck of a class. I’m not complaining.”
The balancing act of recruiting and preparation
As the Longhorns prepare for a formidable opponent in Clemson, Sarkisian faces the daunting task of balancing recruiting in the transfer market while ensuring his current players remain committed to the program. The pressure is on, and it’s not just about bringing in new talent; it’s also about player retention. “As you’re going through it, you’re talking to your own players about player retention. At the same time, you’re monitoring the portal, who might be going in,” he explained. This juggling act adds an extra layer of complexity to an already intense playoff preparation.
Impacts of the Early Signing Period
The Early Signing Period has shifted to just before conference championship week, which means that while Texas was gearing up to face Georgia in the SEC Championship, they were also focused on securing their recruiting class on National Signing Day. Remarkably, this recruiting class currently ranks No. 1 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking. It’s a testament to the hard work of Sarkisian and his staff, but it comes at a cost.
“What’s happened, every year – I’m sure everybody’s got their own issues that they had to deal with. For us, it just happened to be that where we had the most attrition was on our front seven,” Sarkisian noted. This attrition has forced the coaching staff to adjust their practice plans, as they’ve lost key players from the defensive line, EDGE positions, and linebackers. “Those become your scout team,” he added, highlighting the ripple effects of player departures on the team’s overall preparation.
The need for change in college football
As Sarkisian reflects on the current state of college football, he believes it’s time to revisit the existing calendar and regulations. “I do think there’s good intentions. I think there is a better model and a better formula out there for the current teams that we have now,” he stated. His concern extends to the players who have entered the portal, missing out on the chance to experience the playoff journey with their teammates. “I know it’s hard on the coaches right now. But I also know that what we’re trying to do is serve the players and give them an opportunity to go where they need to go.”
As the Longhorns gear up for their historic playoff debut, the challenges of the transfer portal and the pressures of recruiting loom large. Yet, the excitement of the CFP is palpable, and the team is determined to make the most of this opportunity. With a strong recruiting class and a commitment to player development, Texas is ready to face Clemson head-on. Will they rise to the occasion and make a statement in their first playoff game? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the future of Texas football is bright, and the journey is just beginning.
Matt Connolly contributed to this report.
