Steve Sarkisian Blows Off ESPN Interview After Texas Upsets Ohio State

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian made headlines for his unconventional postgame behavior following the Longhorns' stunning 24-23 comeback victory against top-ranked Ohio State on September 12, 2026.

Why it matters: This game marked Texas' first home win against a No. 1 team since 1950, and Sarkisian’s actions have drawn both attention and criticism from fans and commentators alike.

• Texas rallied from a 20-point deficit to secure the victory, scoring three unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
• The win is considered one of the biggest regular-season victories in the Steve Sarkisian era at Texas.
• Social media erupted with reactions to Sarkisian's interview snubs, labeling his behavior as 'classless' and disrespectful.

Driving the news: The game took place at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, where Texas trailed 20-3 at halftime. Sarkisian declined a scheduled halftime interview with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge due to technical difficulties that plagued the broadcast.

• Rutledge reported that Sarkisian had waited patiently through the issues but eventually left to regroup with his team.
• After the game, Sarkisian again bypassed an interview attempt, this time with Holly Rowe, shouting "Texas fight! Hook ‘Em!" before walking off.

State of play: The Longhorns' comeback was sparked by quarterback Arch Manning, who threw for 196 yards and led the team to score 21 points in the final quarter.

• Hollywood Smothers scored the game-winning touchdown with just 25 seconds left on the clock.
• Ohio State, which had controlled the game for three quarters, failed to score in the fourth quarter, contributing to their eventual loss.

The big picture: Sarkisian's behavior during the postgame interviews has overshadowed the significance of the victory.

• His refusal to engage with reporters has prompted discussions about sportsmanship and professionalism in coaching.
• Critics argue that coaches should use media opportunities to promote their programs and share their team's achievements.

What they're saying: Laura Rutledge defended Sarkisian after the halftime incident, stating on air, "He had waited a long time, been very patient with some technical issues that we had. He apologized to us. We should be apologizing to him, which we did." This comment highlights the technical challenges faced during the broadcast.

• Holly Rowe's frustrated demeanor during her brief interaction with Sarkisian was evident, as she attempted to begin her question but was cut off.
• Sarkisian’s abrupt departure from the interview has been described as a “pain” for reporters, according to various social media reactions.

By the numbers: This victory was Texas' fifth all-time win over a top-ranked opponent, and it marked a notable turnaround for Sarkisian, who has faced scrutiny since taking over the program.

• Texas' comeback from a 20-point deficit is the largest since 2007.
• Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin passed for 278 yards but could not secure a win for his team.

Yes, but: Sarkisian's actions have raised questions about the importance of media relations in college football.

• Some fans and analysts believe that a coach's relationship with the media can impact team morale and public perception.
• Others argue that emotional moments, like a thrilling comeback, can lead to impulsive decisions in the heat of the moment.

What's next: Sarkisian will likely face questions about his behavior in upcoming press conferences as Texas prepares for its next matchup.

• The Longhorns will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, aiming for more wins against tough opponents.
• Fans and analysts will follow closely closely to see how Sarkisian manages media interactions moving forward.

The Texas Longhorns' remarkable comeback win over Ohio State has revitalized their season and sparked conversations about the dynamics between coaches and the media in high-stakes college football.