Sarkisian Clears the Air as Longhorns Turn the Page Toward UTSA

Steve Sarkisian’s Thursday Zoom press conference touched nearly every storyline orbiting No. 1 Texas this week, from an off-field matter involving assistant coach Johnny Nansen to the national conversation surrounding ESPN’s postgame interview and Arch Manning’s subsequent apology.

With UTSA set to visit Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sarkisian’s message was equal parts accountability, context and focus. Texas is coming off a dramatic 24-23 victory over Ohio State, but the Longhorns’ head coach spent much of Thursday addressing the events that have followed it.

Nansen Charged With DWI

Sarkisian opened the press conference by revealing that linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator Johnny Nansen was charged with a misdemeanor DWI on Wednesday night.

“We had an unfortunate situation last evening,” Sarkisian said. “Coach Nansen was charged with a misdemeanor DWI. We obviously are aware of the situation. I’m still gathering facts. I’m still monitoring the situation. We’re obviously disappointed, but that’s all I really have on that at this time.”

Nansen was not at Thursday’s practice, and Sarkisian did not offer a final determination on his availability for Saturday’s game. The coach said Texas is monitoring the matter as more information becomes available.

If Johnny Nansen does not coach Saturday night, look for senior analyst Garrett Cox to potentially take on a bigger role.

Cox came to Texas this offseason from Georgia, and also had coaching stops at TCU, Tennessee, Michigan and Alabama. #HookEm

— HornSports (@HornSports) September 17, 2026

The timing is difficult for a defense preparing to protect the No. 1 ranking it earned after last week’s win in Austin. Nansen coaches the Longhorns’ linebackers and shares defensive-coordinator duties, making his potential absence a notable development entering the UTSA game. Reports Thursday characterized the charge as a misdemeanor DWI.

Sarkisian Explains ESPN Delay

Sarkisian also addressed the viral postgame exchange with ESPN reporter Holly Rowe, clarifying that technical delays affected Texas’ television obligations both at halftime and after the final whistle against Ohio State.

According to Sarkisian, he had already shaken Ohio State coach Ryan Day’s hand after the game and was standing beside Rowe, prepared for the interview, when ESPN’s postgame delay occurred. Video of the sequence shows Sarkisian and Rowe waiting while Texas celebrated around them before the network introduced Rowe more than 30 seconds later.

Texas officials had previously told The Athletic that ESPN faced technical issues with the postgame setup. Sarkisian confirmed that account Thursday, saying the wait came after an already eventful night of broadcast interruptions.

Sarkisian confirmed all of this today. https://t.co/h9JFnigM5e

— HornSports (@HornSports) September 17, 2026

The same issue had surfaced at halftime. Sarkisian waited for a scheduled ESPN interview with Laura Rutledge before technical problems prevented the segment from happening. Rutledge later explained that the network’s equipment was responsible and credited Sarkisian for waiting as long as he did.

When the postgame interview finally began, Sarkisian briefly celebrated into Rowe’s microphone: “Texas fight” and “Hook ’em” – before moving toward his players. He acknowledged Thursday that, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the delay, he could have responded differently.

“We have a ton of respect for ESPN and Holly Rowe,” Sarkisian said. “I could have handled that situation better and been more patient.”

It was a direct attempt to put the matter in its proper context: a delayed live-television moment immediately after an emotional road win, not a reflection of the program’s regard for Rowe or ESPN.

A Lesson for Arch

Sarkisian’s remarks about Arch Manning carried the same theme of responsibility.

Manning apologized this week after laughing during a media session in response to an AI-altered video that falsely depicted Sarkisian slapping Rowe. The quarterback called his response insensitive and said there was nothing funny about the video.

Sarkisian said he believes Manning understands the significance of the moment and the accountability expected of the Texas quarterback.

“Arch knows at his core what he believes in and what he stands for,” Sarkisian said. “That was a good reminder of what this brand represents. Being mindful of that is important.”

The episode is not how he defines Manning, but it is a teaching moment for a player whose actions and comments will draw a level of attention reserved for few athletes in college sports. Texas’ quarterback represents more than himself, particularly in the middle of a season in which the Longhorns are again under the brightest spotlight in the sport.

Sarkisian Rejects $50M Figure

Sarkisian also was asked about a report from The Athletic that placed Texas’ estimated roster spending between $45 million and $55 million for the 2026 season.

The Texas coach disputed the suggestion that the Longhorns have a $50 million roster.

“That’s inaccurate,” Sarkisian said. “Until we get to a point where everything is public, we need to move with a little more caution.”

The Athletic estimated that Texas and Ohio State combined to spend between $94 million and $109 million on their rosters before last week’s matchup, with the Longhorns listed in the $45 million-to-$55 million range. The figures are estimates, not publicly audited or institutionally released totals, and are complicated by the overlapping worlds of NIL agreements, school-based revenue sharing and collective involvement.

Sarkisian’s objection did not dispute the changing financial landscape of college football. Instead, it challenged the certainty with which broad roster-spending estimates are being presented while the underlying numbers remain largely private.

Cooper Nears Return, Townsend Expected to Miss

Texas also received encouraging news at running back. Sarkisian said he expects freshman Derrek Cooper to be available against UTSA.

Cooper injured his ankle in the season opener against Texas State. He dressed for last week’s win over Ohio State but did not play, leaving the Longhorns without another backfield option behind Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown.

His expected return would give Texas added depth as it begins to manage a backfield that has already been tested early in the season. With SEC play approaching, the opportunity to get Cooper back involved against UTSA could prove valuable.

The news was less positive for tight end Nick Townsend. Sarkisian said Townsend will likely not play Saturday after suffering a knee injury against Ohio State. Townsend exited the game in the third quarter and did not return.

Texas hosts UTSA at 7 p.m. Saturday in Austin, with the game set to be televised on SEC Network+. The Longhorns enter the weekend at 2-0 and newly installed as the nation’s top-ranked team.