Steve Sarkisian Sets the Record Straight: Texas Didn’t Buy This Team — We Built It”

As college football continues to grapple with the realities of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, few programs have faced more outside scrutiny than the University of Texas. But head coach Steve Sarkisian is pushing back — and doing so with conviction.

In recent months, as the Longhorns have surged in both recruiting and on-field performance, whispers have grown louder. Detractors have suggested that Texas’ return to prominence has been fueled more by dollars than development. Accusations swirl that the program is essentially “buying” its success through NIL deals and the deep pockets of its donor base.

In a pointed rebuttal during a recent press conference, the Texas head coach fired back at those accusations, calling the claims of NIL-driven dominance “overblown” and “disrespectful to the work this team has put in.”

“People love to talk about the money at Texas,” Sarkisian said. “But let me be clear — our roster wasn’t bought. It was built. Built through evaluation, built through development, and built through hard work.”

Since taking over the Longhorns in 2021, Sarkisian has overseen a steady transformation of the Texas football program. After a rocky 5–7 debut season, Texas roared back to win the Big 12 in 2023 and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. With the program now preparing to join the SEC in 2024, the Longhorns have momentum — and expectations — at an all-time high.

Much of that success has been attributed to Sarkisian’s ability to attract top-tier talent. The 2023 and 2024 recruiting classes have ranked among the nation’s best. Star quarterback Quinn Ewers, 5-star running back CJ Baxter, and a host of blue-chip linemen and defenders have donned the burnt orange — sparking envy and suspicion from rival fanbases.

We’re recruiting the right kind of guys,” he said. “Guys who want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Guys who want to compete. NIL is part of the landscape now, but that’s not why players are coming to Texas.”

Sarkisian acknowledges the role NIL plays in today’s game. Texas, with its massive alumni base, wealthy boosters, and initiatives like the Clark Field Collective, is undoubtedly well-positioned in the NIL space. However, Sarkisian argues that NIL is a complementary benefit — not the driving force behind the program’s resurgence.

Sure, we have resources, Sarkisian said. But so does Alabama. So does Georgia. So does USC. If it was just about money, half the top kids in the country would be in Austin. But that’s not what’s happening.

Indeed, while Texas has landed marquee names, it has also focused heavily on development. Players like Xavier Worthy and Jaylan Ford, once considered modest recruits by national standards, have blossomed into elite performers under Sarkisian’s guidance.

One of Sarkisian’s most consistent messages throughout his tenure has been about building a winning culture. From implementing NFL-style training regimens to creating a sense of unity within the locker room, his focus has always been internal — not on outside perceptions.

Players themselves have echoed that sentiment. In interviews, Longhorns have emphasized the competitive environment, the family atmosphere, and the clear development path that Sarkisian and his staff have laid out.

As Texas gears up for its first SEC season in 2024, Sarkisian knows the scrutiny won’t let up. The Longhorns will be tested weekly against some of the toughest programs in the nation, and critics will be eager to see if the recent success can be sustained.