AUSTIN — Texas football head coach Steve Sarkisian has voiced concerns regarding the inequities present in the SEC’s scheduling system. Alongside athletic director Chris Del Conte, Sarkisian indicated that the university is considering adjustments to their future non-conference schedules to level the playing field.
In a recent statement, Sarkisian expressed his discomfort with the current SEC scheduling format, noting a lack of continuity, particularly for Texas as a newcomer to the conference. “I think there’s some distinct advantages that some people have where they spread out their non-conference games throughout the season,” he said. Many teams in the SEC benefit from scheduling weaker non-conference opponents toward the end of the season, otherwise known for providing a breather from the demanding conference matchups.
Texas’s recent schedule, with a lineup that included tough opponents such as Ohio State, San Jose State, UTEP, and Sam Houston, has contrasted sharply with the late-season scheduling strategies employed by other SEC teams. Historically, Texas has positioned their three or four non-conference games at the start of the season, an approach that may not provide them the same opportunity for recovery as teams who strategically place their easier matches later in the year.
Del Conte confirmed that while changing schedules might prove challenging, reviewing future arrangements is a priority. The running schedule is set until 2030, highlighting the complexities involved in scheduling within the SEC framework.
Notably, several SEC teams have managed their schedules to incorporate less strenuous non-conference games right before significant rivalries or major conference games. For instance, Georgia faces Charlotte before playing Georgia Tech, while other teams like Alabama and LSU are similarly positioned against less challenging opponents late in the season.
Despite his grievances, Sarkisian recognizes the reality they are faced with, stating, “I don’t love our schedule, but it’s our schedule. You play the hand you’re dealt.” He also emphasized the importance of fairness in scheduling, particularly concerning implications for playoff opportunities.
Furthermore, this season has presented unique challenges for Texas, as they experience a significant stretch of 63 days with only one game at Royal-Memorial Stadium. Due to a neutral-site matchup against Oklahoma, which is regarded as a home game, the Longhorns faced an unusually long gap between home games.
Starting next season, when the SEC implements a nine-game conference schedule, Texas will balance their competition with four home and four away games, continuing their longstanding tradition of playing Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl. For 2026, Texas has secured matchups against Ohio State, Texas State, and UTEP, while maintaining a commitment to avoid playing FCS opponents—a stark shift from the previous instance with Sam Houston in 2006.
As the landscape of college football scheduling continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Texas will navigate these challenges while striving to optimize their performance in the highly competitive SEC environment.