Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, has once again earned a spot on the preseason watch list for the 2026 Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Trophy, a honor that celebrates excellence on the field alongside scholarship, leadership and integrity.
Now in his fourth straight year among the 20 coaches under consideration, Sarkisian’s recurring presence reflects a sustained period of success that began when he took the reins of the program. Under his guidance, Texas closed out the 2025 season with a 10‑3 record, highlighted by three victories over teams ranked in the top ten and a string of seven wins in the final eight games that culminated in a Cheez‑It Citrus Bowl triumph over Michigan.
The Longhorns’ schedule proved especially daunting, as they confronted five top‑10 opponents — the most of any Football Bowl Subdivision team that year. Their ability to navigate that gauntlet helped secure a fourth consecutive final top‑25 ranking, the first such streak for the program since the 2006‑09 era.
Defensively, Texas showcased a knack for forcing turnovers, finishing the season tied for second nationally in fumble recoveries with just two miscues across 13 contests and ranking twelfth in interceptions with sixteen picks. Special teams also shone, with return specialist Ryan Niblett averaging 22 yards per punt return and earning All‑America honors alongside three other Longhorns who made the All‑America list.
On offense, quarterback Arch Manning emerged as a dual‑threat force in his inaugural full‑time starting role, completing 248 of 404 passes for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 399 rushing yards and ten rushing scores. His 3,163 passing yards placed him tenth in the program’s single‑season history.
Defensive standout Colin Simmons led the team and the entire SEC with a career‑high twelve sacks, while also topping the conference in tackles for loss and forcing three fumbles. His performance earned him first‑team All‑SEC recognition and contributed to a defense that ranked fifth nationally in turnover margin.
The impact of Sarkisian’s coaching extends beyond the field, as the program has become a pipeline for the National Football League. In just five seasons, 41 of his former players now occupy roster spots, including 34 from the 2023‑25 teams alone, positioning Texas alongside traditional powerhouses such as Georgia and Ohio State in draft production.
Leadership Defined by Integrity
The Dodd Trophy’s criteria underscore the coach’s commitment to academic achievement, community involvement and ethical conduct, values that Sarkisian has consistently championed. His teams have posted strong graduation rates and contributed to university initiatives, reinforcing the notion that competitive success can coexist with academic excellence.
Looking ahead, the Longhorns enter the next season with momentum built on a foundation of winning culture, elite talent development and a clear philosophy that blends ambition with responsibility. Fans and analysts alike anticipate another fierce campaign that could extend the program’s recent resurgence.