Steve Sarkisian describes challenge of facing Ryan Day, Ohio State
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Steve Sarkisian and Texas suffered a 14-7 loss to Ohio State in 2025, despite outgaining the Buckeyes 336-203 and holding them to just 2.3 yards a carry.
The scene now shifts to Austin and DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium for a key Week 2 contest. If the Longhorns want to return to the College Football Playoff, winning this one would go a long way in helping them get there.
Sarkisian recalled on Saturday’s “College GameDay” facing Ohio State in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game while serving as offensive coordinator at Alabama. That one saw the Tide cruise to a 52-24 win.
Sarkisian is under no illusion that his team’s second game against the Buckeyes in as many seasons will be a simple undertaking.
“They’ve got great talent. They’ve got great schemes. They’ve got really good coaches. They’re used to being in this arena, too,” Steve Sarkisian said. “And so playing these guys, you have to play a complete game. It’s not about one side of the ball or the other or just special teams. You better be ready to play. You better be ready to execute at the highest level in the most critical moments of the ballgame.“
The hype around Texas going into the 2026 season has been real, with several analysts picking the Longhorns as national championship contenders. A win on Saturday against the Buckeyes could further fuel those expectations.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
