Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is turning his attention to a lingering discipline issue that has haunted the program for several seasons. After a string of penalty‑laden campaigns, Sarkisian now sees the reduction of flags as a prerequisite for any chance at a successful 2026 campaign.
Penalty Patterns Since 2021
The team’s penalty count has risen steadily, with the 2025 season marking a low point: Texas was called for 118 penalties, the second‑most in the country. The offensive line accounted for 36 percent of those infractions, highlighting a specific area of concern that the coaching staff has begun to dissect in detail.
Since 2021 the Longhorns have struggled to maintain composure on the field, and the 2025 numbers reflect a culmination of those early‑season growing pains. The sheer volume of penalties not only stalls drives but also erodes momentum, making each mistake costly in tightly contested games.
Roster Adjustments and Coaching Focus
In response, Texas has reshaped its offensive line personnel for the upcoming season, bringing in fresh talent and shifting responsibilities to reduce the likelihood of repeated errors. These changes are part of a broader effort to rebuild the unit’s consistency and discipline.
Sarkisian has made penalty reduction a focal point of practice drills and pre‑season preparations. By embedding disciplined habits into daily routines, the coach hopes to instill a culture where mistakes are minimized before they even occur.
If the Longhorns can curb the penalties that plagued them in 2025, the upside for the 2026 season could be significant. Fewer flags mean more sustained drives, better field position and a greater chance to compete at the top of the Big 12. Sarkisian’s emphasis on discipline may well become the defining narrative of the team’s next chapter.