Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, has a busy few weeks ahead. Not only is he focused on guiding the Longhorns through the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the second consecutive year, but he’s also working toward securing Texas’ first national championship since the 2005 season. This year’s CFP opener pits Texas against Clemson, a crucial matchup that could determine the trajectory of the season. However, preparing for the postseason is far from the only responsibility on Sarkisian’s plate. He must also focus on securing the program’s future through the transfer portal, an ever-growing aspect of college football.
In case you’re unfamiliar with it, the transfer portal was established in 2018 to allow greater mobility for players, enabling them to easily move from one program to another after a season. Since its inception, the portal has become a key tool for building rosters, with transfer classes now considered nearly as significant as traditional recruiting classes. However, this timing creates a headache for coaches like Sarkisian. Players are free to enter the portal for up to 30 days after the end of the regular season, which means that December 28 is the critical deadline for the 2024 transfer cycle. This adds an extra layer of stress to an already demanding schedule, and it’s something that Sarkisian isn’t thrilled about.
Sarkisian took the opportunity to express his frustration with the timing, using the NFL as a comparison to highlight the absurdity of the situation. “In three weeks, the NFL playoffs are going to begin,” Sarkisian said at a press conference in Austin. “But imagine every one of those players becoming free agents the day they announce who’s in the playoffs. That’s what’s happening in college football.”
Although Sarkisian has made it clear that he isn’t a fan of the overlapping responsibilities, there is a silver lining to the situation. Texas has already made progress in the transfer portal, securing three key players last week. The Longhorns added defensive tackle Cole Brevard from Purdue, linebacker Brad Spence from Arkansas, and punter Jack Bouwmeester from Utah. These additions will strengthen the team’s roster as they prepare for both the playoffs and the future.
The transfer portal has become so integral to the game that Texas is also focusing on offensive upgrades. Just days ago, the Longhorns hosted Eric Singleton, a wide receiver from Georgia Tech, who is considered the top-ranked offensive skill player in the portal. Bringing in a talent like Singleton could provide a significant boost to the Longhorns’ offensive lineup for the next season.
With so much going on, Sarkisian’s schedule this winter is jam-packed. Postseason preparation, combined with the chaos of the transfer portal, leaves little time for personal relaxation. Gone are the lazy days of holiday shopping and unhurried afternoons. But while it may be a tough stretch for Sarkisian, it’s a reality that many college football coaches face. The demands of the job are unrelenting, and there’s little time for breaks. As the saying goes, “That’s what the money is for.”
While the holiday season brings a break for many, for Sarkisian, it’s business as usual. The world of college football doesn’t pause, and neither do the responsibilities of a head coach. Between coaching a playoff-bound team and building for the future through the portal, Sarkisian’s focus is on securing the Longhorns’ long-term success, even if it means sacrificing his personal time.
