Steve Sarkisian Named Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week After Texas' Statement Win Over Texas A&M
In a week packed with high-stakes showdowns and playoff implications, Steve Sarkisian stood out-and the college football world took notice. The Texas head coach was named the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Week after leading the No.
14 Longhorns to a signature 27-17 win over previously unbeaten No. 3 Texas A&M in the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown.
The victory wasn’t just a rivalry win-it was a statement, and it checked all the boxes that the Dodd Trophy looks for: scholarship, leadership, and integrity.
Let’s break down why Sarkisian earned this honor and how his team delivered when it mattered most.
Second-Half Surge Seals It
Texas walked into DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium with a 9-3 record and a shot at something bigger. They left with a win that reshaped the playoff picture and reminded the country that the Longhorns are more than just back-they're built to finish.
Down 10-3 at halftime, Texas exploded in the second half, scoring on four of their first five possessions and outscoring the Aggies 24-7 over the final 30 minutes. That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen without adjustments, execution, and leadership from the top down. Sarkisian’s fingerprints were all over it.
With the win, Texas became the first team since the 2019 LSU Tigers to notch three AP Top 10 victories in a regular season. Even more impressive? They're the only team in the country with two wins over opponents currently ranked in the College Football Playoff Top 10.
Arch Manning Delivers in the Spotlight
In a game dripping with pressure and legacy, sophomore quarterback Arch Manning turned in a performance that matched the moment. He finished with 232 total yards and two touchdowns-including a 35-yard dagger of a touchdown run in the fourth quarter that effectively sealed the win.
Manning’s stat line wasn’t gaudy-14-of-29 for 179 yards and a passing TD-but it was efficient and timely. He added 53 yards on the ground, averaging a strong 7.6 yards per carry. That kind of dual-threat presence kept the Aggies guessing and opened up the playbook in the second half.
Quintrevion Wisner Runs Wild
Texas’ ground game was a force, and junior running back Quintrevion Wisner was the engine. Wisner racked up a season-high 155 rushing yards on 19 carries-an eye-popping 8.2 yards per attempt. His 48-yard burst was the longest by a Longhorn against Texas A&M since Colt McCoy’s 65-yard touchdown run back in 2009.
Wisner became just the third Texas player since 2000 to post multiple 100-yard games against the Aggies, joining Longhorn legends Cedric Benson and Cody Johnson. That’s elite company, and Wisner earned every yard.
Big Plays in the Trenches and Tight End Breakout
Junior tight end Jack Endries led all Texas receivers with 93 yards on four catches, including a 54-yard grab that set the tone for the second-half surge. It was his longest reception of the season and a reminder that this Texas offense has weapons all over the field.
Up front, sophomore left tackle Trevor Goosby was a wall. Matched up against Cashius Howell-the SEC’s sack leader and second nationally-Goosby didn’t allow a single sack or pressure.
That’s not just good, that’s elite. His performance helped Texas rack up 218 rushing yards and nearly 400 total yards against a defense that came in ranked 15th in the nation.
Goosby’s dominance didn’t go unnoticed-he was named SEC Co-Offensive Lineman of the Week.
Defense Slams the Door
Texas’ defense didn’t just contain Texas A&M-they shut them down. The Aggies came in averaging 38.1 points per game, good for 10th in the FBS.
The Longhorns held them to 17. That’s 21 points below their season average.
They also limited the Aggies to just 337 total yards-128 below their average.
The fourth quarter was where the defense truly took over. Back-to-back interceptions from senior Michael Taaffe and sophomore Kobe Black helped slam the door on any comeback attempt.
Meanwhile, linebacker Liona Lefau led the way with a career-high 11 tackles, and Ethan Burke added a career-best nine tackles, a pass breakup, and a blocked field goal. Burke’s all-around effort earned him SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors.
More Than Football: Sark’s Impact Off the Field
While Sarkisian’s on-field work is grabbing headlines, his commitment to building a complete program is just as noteworthy. Texas football currently boasts a 991 Academic Progress Rate and a 76 Graduation Success Rate-numbers that speak to a culture of accountability and development beyond the field.
In the community, Sarkisian and his wife Loreal are actively involved in philanthropy, supporting causes like The Kindness Campaign, Runway of Dreams, and Dress for Success. He’s also a key figure in Horns Giving Back, which connects alumni and fans through events like the Tee It Up for Cole Pittman Golf Tournament and the Texas Premier Football Camp.
The Bottom Line
When you combine a top-10 win, elite player development, and a culture rooted in leadership and accountability, you get the kind of week that earns national recognition. Steve Sarkisian didn’t just beat a rival-he led Texas to a performance that checked every box the Dodd Trophy stands for.
With momentum on their side and the postseason looming, the Longhorns are peaking at the right time. And if this win is any indication, Sarkisian has his team believing-and delivering-when it counts most.