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Steve Sarkisian's ability to adapt is arguably one of the reasons he is emerging as the next great football coach.
Yes, @Travis Galey filled in for me last week.
No, Terry Middleton is not filling in this week.
The college football landscape has changed in real-time. A few years ago, any player who wanted to transfer was at the mercy of his coach, and many times that person was vindictive. Coaches were allowed to limit the schools a player could attend. Some coaches purposely screwed players and left them with few options. Heck, we are old enough to remember when former Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury tried to limit the transfer options of Baker Mayfield, who was a walk-on quarterback. The public backlash is the only reason Coach Cool eventually lifted Mayfield’s restrictions.
We are also old enough to remember when schools claimed paying athletes would lead to the end of college athletics. Do you remember when athletic programs said some schools would cease to exist if forced to pay players? And how the heck were programs going to generate money to pay players when so many athletic departments were barely surviving? As it turns out, NIL did not lead to the Death Star exploding like many people associated with college athletics predicted.
Sarkisian has adjusted to the transfer portal better than many coaches. He initially dipped his toes in the transfer portal waters and made safe decisions. Sarkisian was not ready to jump into the deep end. Nowadays, Sarkisian reminds me of that friend who you take to Las Vegas and they get hot. You tell that friend, “Hey, you’ve won a lot of money. Cash out and let’s get a drink.” And that friend says, “I’ll catch up with you later.”
I want to go back to Sarkisian’s ability to adapt for a moment.
As I was conducting research for this column, Sarkisian said something in February of 2022 that slipped my mind.
"I think to go back, if you recall, a year ago at this time when I got hired, we were in the midst of a pandemic,” Sarkisian said. “I think, quite frankly, the rules of such where I couldn't go on the road. I couldn't go recruit. I couldn't go see any high school coaches. I couldn't go to the high schools. It was very difficult to connect. I was making a lot of phone calls. But this time, really the last two weeks in January, I made it a point to try to get to as many high schools as I could in the state of Texas. I left for about one day I went to Louisiana for one day to recruit.
“The other 10 days I spent in the state of Texas recruiting, whether it was Dallas, East Texas, whether it was Houston, whether it's West Texas, and getting around to the coaches … The reality of it is if we signed 25 guys, about 20 or so of those every year are going to come from the state of Texas. Last time I checked, our jersey says Texas on the front, not United States. We got to make sure that we do a great job recruiting our state and the high school coaches here are a critical component to making that happen. So, developing those relationships with them, to me, is a key part of making that happen as we move forward.”
However, I wrote on December 24, 2023:
“Sarkisian finished with the No.2 ranked recruiting class this past week, according to Rivals. Sarkisian’s 2023 class was ranked No. 3. The Longhorns’ 2022 class was ranked No.5.
“The most interesting aspect about those classes is the amount of out-of-state players Texas has signed compared to around 20 years ago. Nearly 50 percent of the 2024 Longhorn class are players from outside of Texas. If you view that number from an early 2000s recruiting lens, it would be easy to walk away saying Texas needs to improve in-state recruiting with the 2025 class.
“However, if you are willing to adjust, we might be witnessing a trend of recruits who have expanded their horizons and are more open to playing for programs in different states than players in previous eras and think more globally.
“Without question,” Sarkisian said when I asked him about this topic on signing day. “I think kids from Texas are going other places more than they ever have. I think kids in California are going places more than they ever have. I think kids in Florida are going places more than they ever have, and so on and so forth. I think 7-on-7 has played a factor in that that guys are traveling now. They're going to play in other places. I think social media and the Internet has provided that opportunity because more schools are seeing these kids more so than just the local schools that are getting their tape and know the high school coach.
“I also think summer visits have changed that because now guys are having the ability and have the time to take visits in the spring and in the summer, as opposed to just in the fall. It's difficult when you live in California and I want to take a visit to Texas and I play Friday night and we have an 11 a.m. kick the next day. You got to try to get on a plane, get here, and then for us to spend really quality time with them and then they have to turn around and fly back. Well, when they come in June, I get 48 hours with them and I really get to spend time with them and they're not rushed and we can forge those relationships. But that's the same for the kid that's here in Texas and when he goes to visit somewhere else around the country. I think all of those things have added up to you seeing more kids travel.”
Sarkisian did not hold onto the outdated belief Texas needs to win the majority of in-state players to have recruiting success. Instead, Sarkisian decided to acquire talent from across the country – and it has paid off.
Let us examine another area of growth for Sarkisian.
Here is what I wrote in April of 2023:
“When asked about pursuing players in the transfer portal, Sarkisian said coaches, in general, have to be careful about making promises they cannot keep. He said the one thing they can guarantee players is an opportunity to compete for playing time. Sarkisian said, “We've got to be careful in this recruiting process of kids in the portal because they all want immediate gratification. They want to step on the field the moment they get here, and they have to earn that. And they have to earn the respect of their teammates and earn the respect of their coaches. That may take a little bit of time. It doesn't happen overnight, but we have to be one that can help facilitate that respect.”
That was before Adonai Mitchell emerged as a difference-maker last season. Sarkisian also found success with Jalen Catalon, Gavin Holmes, and Ryan Sanborn. In addition, Sarkisian carved out a role for Trill Carter.
Nowadays, Sarkisian is relishing in picking up impact players through the transfer portal.
Sarkisian has acquired Andrew Mukaba (Clemson), Trey Moore (UTSA), Matthew Golden (Houston), Silas Bolden, Kendrick Blackshire (Alabama), Isaiah Bond, (Alabama), and Amari Niblack (Alabama) through the transfer portal. Each player could have an instant impact this season.
Oh, and Sarkisian is still kicking the tires on more portal players.
Now, let us discuss five takeaways from Sarkisian’s transfer portal success.
1. Sarkisian wants to reload, not rebuild
High school recruiting will always be important to Sarkisian. He is not going to be a coach who acquires 20-plus through the transfer portal. Sarkisian believes high school recruiting is the foundation of his program.
However, high school recruiting is like buying a car with all the standard equipment – a radio, power steering, automatic headlamps, rearview camera, and SYNC Voice Recognition. It will get the job done.
The transfer portal offers optional equipment that takes your car to the next level.
It would have been easy for Sarkisian to rest on his laurels and just wait to see who steps up in the receiver room. Ryan Wingo, Parker Livingstone, Freddie Dubose, and Aaron Butler are members of the 2024 class. Sarkisian already had Johntay Cook and DeAndre Moore.
Nevertheless, Sarkisian picked up three difference-makers at receiver through the transfer portal, and his offense will not take a step back this season.
2. Longhorn players better get used to competition
Do you know what the biggest knock on Texas players has been?
The Longhorns are soft.
Texas was viewed as a soft program before Sarkisian’s arrival. Remember, players used to take charter buses to practice. Many players never developed because they acted like they arrived after committing to Texas. They were just happy to be here and treated like kings.
Charlie Strong tried to eliminate the mentality. Tom Herman fought against it. Sarkisian has figured out the easiest way to eliminate complacency.
Competition.
Any player who believes they will be given a position because they are next in line will receive a rude awakening in the Sarkisian era. You may have been a 5-star athlete in high school but that accolade does not guarantee playing time at Texas. Sarkisian is not afraid to go into the transfer portal and find an instant-impact player while his younger guys develop.
Sarkisian has eliminated entitlement.
Players who do not realize that will get left behind, or leave.
3. Texas is offering players what they want
Players who enter the transfer portal want two things: Play for a coach who can develop them into an NFL draft pick and NIL money.
Sarkisian is providing players with the opportunity to go pro.
We are old enough to remember when Texas did not have any draft picks in 2022. It was an embarrassing reflection on the program. It also explained why Texas finished 5-7 in Sarkisian’s first year. However, five Longhorns were drafted in 2023. The number of Longhorns who are drafted this year could come close to double-digits.
I previously asked Texas receivers coach Chris Jackson if Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Jordan Whittington were ready for the NFL, and his response highlights the benefits of playing for Sarkisian.
“The way this style of offense is with Sark’s offense is completely a pro-style offense,” Jackson said. “You know, you're going to rely heavily on the run. You want to solidify that upfront. Have the runs and then play-action passes, and then of course, you have your explosive plays, which is a very pro-style offense. It's not gadgety. Nothing against a run-and-shoot. Nothing against the other offenses out there. This is truly what they're from the concept base. The things will be named a little bit differently, but they're not going to be shell-shocked when they get to the NFL by the concepts of those same things. So, they're ready conceptually. They understand the work ethic that goes behind it because Sark runs very, very difficult and hard practices, and they’re skill sets there. Now it's just up to them to continue developing and adjust to whatever team they go to.”
Sarkisian is not in charge of NIL deals, but the people in charge are not afraid to use it to their advantage.
4. Playing with Quinn Ewers is appealing
Texas does not acquire elite offensive players in the transfer portal if they do not believe in Ewers. It is one of the reasons why Bond transferred to Texas.
Check out a portion of this ESPN story:
Bond should be in a better position to catch more passes in 2024. In one fewer game, Ewers threw the ball 110 more times than Jalen Milroe.
Asked whether catching balls from Ewers was an attraction, Bond said: "One hundred percent. He's a great big-time pocket-passer quarterback. He's a top pick in the draft next year. I'm also going to be a top pick. It's going to be a good duo."
Joining Texas should give Bond a chance to showcase his skills in a wide-open offense that will be heavily reliant on the pass.
Ewers announced this week that he is returning for his senior season, a move that will project him among the top of the 2025 draft class. Texas also brings back an experienced offensive line, led by left tackle Kelvin Banks, a rising junior who projects as a top tackle in 2024.
In other words, Bond wanted an upgrade at quarterback, and Ewers was it.
5. It only gets better with Arch Manning in 2025
If you think playing with Ewers is appealing, wait until Sarkisian gets to pitch the opportunity to be on the same team as Manning.
Every game will be featured on a major network.
Every pass and reception will be on ESPN.
Sarkisian will not need to make any calls.
Players will reach out to him.
Sarkisian's ability to adapt is arguably one of the reasons why he is emerging as one of the next great coaches.
Funniest Things You Will See This Week
What is Unc drinking? Beer? Bourbon? Gin? Tequila? Vodka?
Cowboys fans, I finally understand your unhealthy loyalty
Wait for it …
I cannot wait for Texas to be included in these videos
Sports On A Dime
1. Game, blouses
2. Sarkisian picked up the verbal commitment of a 2026 Aledo running back Raycine Guillory on Saturday night? I will check back in the summer of 2025.
3. Former Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II’s draft stock is high. At this rate, he might get invited to attend the NFL Draft in Detroit this year.
4. Congrats, John Bianco.
5. My biggest takeaway from seeing Alabama’s dynasty crumble since Nick Saban’s retirement announcement is officials within the athletic department will be remembered for one of the biggest failures in college football history. Alabama had the opportunity to follow FSU’s blueprint when everyone knew Jimbo Fisher would replace Bobby Bowden when he retired. Recruits knew it, FSU fans were aware of the plan, and college football fans understood what would eventually occur. Alabama never put a similar plan in place to prepare for Saban’s eventual retirement. Even if Sarkisian was previously the guy, Alabama had three seasons to find someone else.
I was baffled that the sirens did not go off when Saban purchased a 17.5-million-dollar home on Jupiter Island in April of 2023. Saban did not have to purchase a home in Del Boca Vista for anyone to know that was his retirement home in Florida, and nobody spend that amount of money to leave it unoccupied for years. Saban turned 72 years old in October and has been complaining about not being able to keep up with NIL for multiple years. Yet, Alabama never had a plan in place, and the Crimson Tide is suffering the consequences.
The SEC Championship will run through Texas, Georgia, and Ole Miss in the foreseeable future.
6. Speaking of powershifts, Ohio State has exited the conversation
7. So, Michigan was caught cheating and Jim Harbaugh received a slap on the wrist, but FSU gets body-slammed for an NIL violation? The NCAA never ceases to amaze us.
Check out a portion of this story from Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger:
“A Florida State assistant coach, offensive coordinator Alex Atkins, is found to have committed two Level II violations, which include impermissible recruiting activity and facilitating impermissible contact with an NIL-related booster. Atkins is alleged to have driven a prospect and his parents to a meeting with a leading member of the school’s NIL collective, Rising Spear.
“During that meeting, according to the NCAA, the booster encouraged the prospect to enroll at Florida State and offered him an NIL opportunity with the collective worth approximately $15,000 per month during his first year at the school.
“As part of the penalties, Atkins will be suspended the first three games of the 2024 regular season and is given a two-year show-cause. A show-cause requires schools who hire Atkins to explain the decision to NCAA officials. Atkins is expected to remain on FSU’s staff in his current role.
“In a first of its kind in the NIL era, the school must disassociate with the NIL collective representative for a term of three years. The school also must disassociate from the NIL collective for one year. As part of the dissociation, FSU cannot accept assistance from the collective and the collective cannot contribute to the athletic program in any way. However, the collective is free to continue working with FSU athletes on NIL endeavors.
“Other penalties, which were confirmed by the NCAA Thursday, include:
“- two years of probation.
“- scholarship reductions of 5% over the next two academic years.
“- a reduction by seven in official recruiting visits for 2023-24.
“- a prohibition on recruiting communication for six weeks over the next two academic years, including this next week (Jan. 12-18).
“- a prohibition on communication with athletes in the transfer portal from April 15-21.
“- a reduction by 18 evaluation days this spring.
“- a financial penalty of 1% of the athletic department’s budget.”
8. Helpful memo to all South Alabama players: When Major Applewhite tells you to take off a coat while on his sideline … you have been warned.
9. I did not realize Showtime announced it would no longer air boxing after its obligations in 2023. That lack of awareness by former boxing enthusiasts like myself who have evolved into casual fans is probably why Showtime decided to head in another direction.
Here is a portion of an October 2023 ESPN article about Showtime’s decision:
“For 37 years, "Showtime Championship Boxing" has televised some of the biggest fights in the sport, but Showtime will exit boxing programming at the end of 2023, the network's parent company Paramount Global announced in a statement Tuesday.
"As we evolve our strategy to more efficiently allocate resources and align our content offering across the business, we've made the difficult decision not to move forward with boxing and other content produced by the SHOWTIME sports team," the company said. "SHOWTIME will continue to air and support the remaining 2023 boxing slate and honor obligations through the end of the year. We want to express our deepest gratitude to our employees who have contributed to this award-winning sports programming over multiple decades."
Al Haymon's PBC has an exclusive deal with Showtime and has been the main provider of fights on the network since 2013. That included the sport's top star at the time, Floyd Mayweather.
PBC is exploring broadcast deals with Amazon Prime Video and DAZN, which has a partnership with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing and Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, sources told ESPN.
Here is the final Showtime boxing video (Jim Gray and Mike Tyson)
10. Speaking of boxing, Muhammad Ali would have been 82 years old on January 17. RIP to the GOAT
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