Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns Adopts an Underdog Mindset Against Ohio State
In college football, mindset can be just as important as talent. As teams gear up for some of the biggest matchups of the season, how they approach these games mentally can often determine the outcome. For Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, this philosophy has become an essential part of the team’s preparation—particularly when facing an opponent as formidable as Ohio State.
Texas is coming off a strong season, having demonstrated considerable progress under Sarkisian’s leadership. However, the Texas Longhorns are about to face one of the most storied and successful programs in the history of college football—Ohio State. With all the hype surrounding the Buckeyes and their recent successes, many would consider Texas to be the underdog in this matchup. Yet, Sarkisian seems to embrace that role, understanding its significance in preparing his team for the challenges ahead.
In this article, we explore why Steve Sarkisian has adopted an underdog mindset heading into the Texas Longhorns’ highly anticipated matchup with Ohio State. We will examine how this mentality reflects his coaching philosophy, his approach to motivating his players, and how it could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of the game.
Sarkisian’s Leadership: Building a Resilient Mindset
Steve Sarkisian’s coaching career has been one of both triumph and adversity. Prior to taking the head coaching role at Texas, Sarkisian had coaching stints at Washington and USC, where he experienced both success and personal struggles. His journey has shaped the type of coach he is today—one who is focused on building not only talented teams but also resilient ones. Sarkisian is no stranger to adversity and understands the importance of mental toughness, especially when facing opponents that appear to be more dominant.
Sarkisian’s leadership has been integral in Texas’ resurgence over the past few seasons. Under his guidance, the Longhorns have made significant strides, both offensively and defensively. However, Sarkisian is not one to get too caught up in the team’s progress. Instead, he constantly emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and focusing on the task at hand. This is especially true in matchups like the one against Ohio State, where Texas will face a program that has consistently been one of the best in college football.
The Power of the Underdog Mentality
Adopting the mindset of an underdog is a strategic choice by Sarkisian. By framing the matchup with Ohio State as a David vs. Goliath scenario, he is encouraging his team to embrace the challenge without the pressure of expectations. When Texas enters the game as an underdog, there is less of a burden to perform at an unrealistic level, which can often lead to mistakes, anxiety, and frustration. Instead, the Longhorns can play with a chip on their shoulder, using the perception of being the underdog as motivation.
For Sarkisian, the underdog mentality is not about diminishing the strengths of his team; rather, it’s about understanding that the path to victory will require extra effort, discipline, and focus. When asked about the upcoming game, Sarkisian acknowledged that Ohio State’s reputation precedes them, and that is something the Longhorns must respect.
“Ohio State is a tremendous program,” Sarkisian said in a recent press conference. “They’ve been one of the top teams in the country for years, and they have a great coach in Ryan Day. But as an underdog, you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to give it everything you’ve got and trust in your preparation.”
This mindset is something that Sarkisian has consistently communicated to his players. By framing the challenge in a realistic yet optimistic light, he helps his team focus on the process rather than the pressure. The message is clear: take nothing for granted, outwork your opponent, and play every play as if it could be the difference between winning and losing.
Ohio State: The Measuring Stick for Texas
As one of the premier programs in college football, Ohio State sets the standard for excellence in the sport. With a rich history of success, the Buckeyes have consistently been contenders in both the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff. They are known for their high-powered offense, a stout defense, and their deep roster of NFL-caliber players. For Texas, this game represents not only a chance to compete at the highest level but also a measuring stick for where they stand in the national landscape.
Sarkisian has publicly acknowledged Ohio State’s strength and pedigree. When comparing Texas to the Buckeyes, he doesn’t shy away from the fact that Ohio State has been more consistent in recent years. This honesty is an essential part of the underdog mentality—by recognizing the challenge ahead, Sarkisian ensures that his team does not underestimate their opponent.
“We understand that Ohio State has been one of the top programs in the country for a long time,” Sarkisian said. “They have great players at every position, and they’ve been able to do it year after year. But that’s exactly why we’re excited for this game. We want to see where we stand against the best.”
This perspective highlights the healthy respect Sarkisian has for Ohio State, but it also reveals his belief that Texas is capable of competing on the same level. The Longhorns may not have the same championship pedigree as the Buckeyes, but that doesn’t mean they are incapable of achieving greatness. The game against Ohio State will provide a valuable opportunity to prove that Texas is ready for the elite stage of college football.
Motivating His Team: Turning Doubt into Fuel
One of the most powerful aspects of Sarkisian’s approach is his ability to motivate his players by turning doubt into fuel. There is no shortage of media attention on Ohio State’s superiority, with pundits and analysts favoring the Buckeyes in this matchup. While this external pressure may not seem like an advantage for Texas, Sarkisian has turned it into a rallying cry for his team.
“People are going to write us off,” Sarkisian said, “They’re going to talk about how great Ohio State is and how they’re favored to win. But we’re going to use that. We’re going to show them who the Texas Longhorns really are.”
This sense of belief, even in the face of adversity, has been a hallmark of Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas. By adopting an underdog mentality, he fosters a mindset of resilience and determination within his players. Texas is not just looking to compete; they are looking to prove a point. They want to show the world that they belong in the conversation with the nation’s elite programs, and there’s no better way to do that than by challenging Ohio State head-on.
The underdog mentality allows Sarkisian to harness his players’ emotions in a constructive way. Rather than getting bogged down by the weight of expectations, the Longhorns can use the perceived advantage of Ohio State to fuel their fire and create a sense of unity and purpose. This mindset is something that can help Texas outperform its perceived limitations and create opportunities in a game where they may not be favored on paper.
The Keys to Success: Fundamentals, Execution, and Mental Toughness
Sarkisian’s underdog mentality doesn’t mean that Texas can take shortcuts or rely solely on emotion to win the game. In fact, Sarkisian emphasizes the importance of focusing on the fundamentals and execution. While the underdog role can inspire energy and passion, Texas still needs to play a clean and efficient game to have a chance against Ohio State.
“We can’t afford to make mistakes,” Sarkisian explained. “Ohio State is a team that will capitalize on every mistake you make. We need to be sharp—our offense, our defense, and our special teams all need to be in sync.”
Sarkisian’s approach is one of balance—using the underdog mentality to motivate, but not relying on emotion alone. He knows that a team that is mentally prepared and technically sound has a better chance of succeeding, regardless of the opponent’s pedigree. If Texas can execute at a high level, they will be in a position to take advantage of any opportunities that arise during the game.
Additionally, Sarkisian is focusing on the mental toughness of his players. In the face of Ohio State’s talent, Texas will need to withstand challenges and remain focused throughout the entire game. Sarkisian’s leadership has instilled a sense of mental resilience within his team, and he knows that this will be crucial in a high-stakes matchup.
The Underdog Mindset Could Lead to Greatness
As the Texas Longhorns prepare for their high-profile matchup against Ohio State, Steve Sarkisian’s adoption of the underdog mindset could prove to be a key factor in the team’s success. By framing the game as an opportunity to prove themselves, rather than a daunting challenge, Sarkisian has set the stage for his players to step up and perform with passion, energy, and focus.
While Ohio State may be the favorite, Sarkisian’s approach encourages his team to embrace the role of the underdog and use it as motivation to achieve greatness. If Texas can execute their game plan, maintain mental toughness, and play with the chip on their shoulder that Sarkisian has instilled in them, they could very well surprise the college football world. For Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns, the underdog mentality is more than just a mindset—it’s a pathway to greatness.
