With players now able to transfer more freely between programs for better opportunities, it’s becoming tougher for many teams to maintain an environment that keeps players committed for the long term. However, Steve Sarkisian believes his team is thriving in the portal era despite the challenges.
According to him, the real challenge is creating an atmosphere where players genuinely want to stay, rather than feeling obligated to remain in the program. However, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns is confident that Texas has successfully built that kind of environment.
Steve Sarkisian Says Texas Culture Is Key Amid Transfer Portal Shakeups
In a recent interview on Sirius XM with Danny Kanell and Dusty Dvoracek, Steve Sarkisian shared that the main goal for the Texas Longhorns is to build a fair environment for the players. He believes this can be achieved by setting clear expectations and helping each player improve to meet those standards.
“We’ve tried to create an environment that is fair,” Sarkisian said, stressing the value of honesty and openness within the team. He explained that Texas ensures players know exactly where they stand and what they need to work on to get better.
“As far as where guys are at in our program, what they need to work on, what they’re doing, right? Maybe what they can improve upon,” Sarkisian added, pointing out how important it is to have constant communication between coaches and players.
How difficult is it to navigate the transfer portal and establish culture at a major program like Texas?@CoachSark joined @DustyDvoracek & @dannykanell to discuss his philosophy and why it’s worked so far in Austin.
🎧https://t.co/YgNNO9VzbH pic.twitter.com/yyGs0UX2eT
— College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) April 22, 2025
He also discussed the need for accountability to keep the program’s standards high.
“The standard is a standard, and if you’re not meeting that standard, then it’s our responsibility to let you know, and if you’re exceeding the standard, it’s our responsibility to let you know,” he explained.
This applies to both team performance and individual growth, ensuring every player is on the same page with the team’s goals.
But what really makes this program special is the leadership coming from the players themselves.
“Veteran players are holding players to a point of accountability, to where it’s not coming out of a sense of if you don’t do this, you’re gone. It’s more out of a sense of love,” the coach said.
This mindset creates a positive atmosphere where players feel valued and motivated.
KEEP READING: USC Football Transfer Portal: Latest Updates on Who’s In and Who’s Out
The head coach concluded, “So I think we’ve created an environment where guys really want to be here; they don’t have to be here.” This shows how the Longhorns program keeps players through respect and trust in the current challenging landscape.
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