Steve Sarkisian made it clear Thursday that he wasn’t amused by the Texas media team’s jumbotron shot at Mike Elko after last season’s win over Texas A&M.
Speaking at SEC Media Days in Tampa, the Texas coach addressed the video that played in the closing moments of the Longhorns’ 27-17 victory over No. 3 Texas A&M in Austin. The clip mocked Elko for calling Texas A&M “the flagship program” in the state of Texas, and Sarkisian said he did not like it.
"Not happy about it. I was not happy about it," Sarkisian said of the video.
That game ended up being another painful chapter for the Aggies in the revived rivalry. Texas improved to 2-0 against Texas A&M in the first two meetings since the programs renewed the series in 2024, and both Longhorns wins kept the Aggies from clinching a spot in the SEC Championship the last two seasons.
Sarkisian’s comments showed where he draws the line in rivalry theatrics. He said he respects the competition and the history around the matchup, but he also believes there’s a point where things go too far.
"I'm fortunate to be part of it, I'm humbled, I'm honored," Sarkisian said. "The great players, the great teams, the great coaches who have been part of this game I respect it and I respect the competition."
He pointed to Texas players trying to plant a Longhorn flag at midfield after beating Texas A&M in 2024, saying he shut that down immediately. In his view, the jumbotron video belonged in the same category.
"Emotions run high in those games," Sarkisian said. "We had a team that was trying to think about going to planting the flag two years ago, and I wouldn't let that happen.
I respect the game of football, and I respect college football, and I respect the football gods. And there's a way to go about our business, and then there's a way not."
"And so rivalries are great, but we got to be able to fight the emotions that come with the rivalry."
The Longhorns and Aggies will meet again in the regular-season finale this fall, with emotions sure to be high once more.
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