Texas coach Steve Sarkisian dunks on college football's controversies before clashing with Ohio State

"We're not talking about injunctions and TROs and lawsuits. We're talking about a hell of a football game that's gonna get played tonight."

Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

—Coach Steve Sarkisian ahead of Texas' matchup with Ohio State 😅 pic.twitter.com/KoS1t1Ae2y

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 12, 2026

The Longhorns head coach was on set when making those comments. The ESPN crew is in Austin, ahead of the Texas-Ohio State clash.

Sarkisian is referring to the controversy surrounding former NFL players returning to play in college. LSU has wanted to bring two players back to the sidelines, who were once attached to NFL teams. The SEC sued LSU to stop that from happening.

Another issue impacting the sport is players trying to sue to get another year of eligibility. It has brought a lot of uncertainty and instability to college sports.

Sarkisian instead wants to focus on football.

“This is what this is about. Look at this crowd,” Sarkisian said on the GameDay set, while pointing to the large crowd gathered behind them. “You look in front of this set. You see the two helmets down there…the branding of these two programs. What it means for college football.”

Saturday’s game is a big one for Texas. During the 2025 season, the Longhorns lost a close game to Ohio State in Columbus. Texas not only now has a chance for revenge, but also a chance to make a statement on the national stage.

The Longhorns hope to return to the College Football Playoff this year. Texas made the CFP in 2023 and 2024 under Sarkisian, but the Longhorns missed out last year.

Texas and Ohio State play Saturday at 7:30 ET. Both squads are undefeated so far on the young season.

Related: Oregon star DT exits Oklahoma State game with apparent injury

Related: Kyle Whittingham explains Bryce Underwood, Michigan’s 1st half-bounce back vs. Oklahoma