Is this the year Steve Sarkisian will get his due with the Longhorns? Ever since joining the Longhorns, Sarkisian has been gradually turning things around in Texas. We all know how poor the Longhorns have been in college football, especially after the CFP era started in 2014. If not for the last season, the Longhorns did not even have a playoff appearance in the last 10 years. So, what changed the last season that led them to post a 13-3 finish to end their 2024 season?

Sarkisian was not joking when he said that he will turn things around in Texas. “We’ve got a lot of Texas fight left in us. We’ll continue to battle, and we’ll compete. I think our future is very bright here,” Sarkisian said back in 2021 when he was hired as the Longhorns HC. Although he also took some hits in his early years, the 51-year-old veteran coach finally seems to have cracked the strategy for the Longhorns. Even during the 2023 season, Texas managed to get a 12-2 finish. It has been only four years in Texas for Steve but the kind of job he has done with the Longhorns has made him a household name in Texas. And if there was any doubt about his growing influence, a recent incident only reinforces that belief.

Earlier this year, the Longhorns locked in Sarkisian for the next seven years—making him one of the best-paid coaches in college football setup. Had it not been for Sarkisian’s bold play-calling and strategic tweaks, the Longhorns might not have made it to the playoffs. So, he has been under the spotlight for all the right reasons in Texas. Although football season is yet to start, the veteran HC finds himself in the limelight again, but this time for a different reason.

The stage was set at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s legendary Calf Scramble, where chaos meets opportunity. And with the drop of a cowboy hat, 15 calves burst into the arena, and 30 determined kids raced to catch them. Then, those who succeeded earned a $2,000 certificate to invest in their own show animal, with a chance to return and compete the next year. Not only this, an extra $500 bonus awaited those who met program requirements. And amidst the dust and determination, Coach Sarkisian stole the show.

On March 18, RODEOHOUSTON lit up Instagram with a post that read, “Boots on, horns up 🤘,” tipping their hats to Steve Sarkisian for inspiring the next generation of champions. Well, the Texas head coach took center stage, delivering words of encouragement to the Scramble kids. But the real showstopper? Sarkisian himself, caught in the moment, dropping his cowboy hat—a scene so electric, it played out on the arena’s massive big screen. And of course, he made sure to share the honor on his own IG story.

You know, to join the Calf Scramble, you need to meet a few key requirements. Well, you must be at least 12 years old by August 31 and no older than your junior year of high school. Weigh at least 100 pounds, have no recent injuries, and must be an active 4H or FFA member in good standing. On top of that, you also need the commitment to purchase, care for, and show a livestock project for the next year. And who better to inspire these young contenders than Steve Sarkisian? As a coach, motivating students is what he does best.

While inspiring young minds, Texas HC also stood firmly by his wife Loreal Sarkisian’s passion project. Although their separation in July 2024 made headlines, there was never any bad blood. And now reunited, their bond is stronger than ever. Safe to say, through every challenge, they’ve lifted each other, proving that real partnerships thrive beyond the spotlight.

Steve Sarkisian’s unwavering support for Loreal Sarkisian

Steve’s wife, Loreal Sarkisian’s fashion dreams, lit up Austin with BALMAIN PARIS—a show straight out of a style lover’s fantasy, on March 13. And right there, through it all, was Sarkisian, standing by her side. However, March 15 saw Loreal celebrating her successful fashion launch on Instagram. “THANK YOU to everyone who came out last night! I appreciate you more than you know! Happy to hear everyone had a great time! 🤍🤍🤍” she wrote, radiating gratitude and excitement.

But among her series of stories, one story post, in particular, caught the eye of Longhorn Nation. A snapshot of Coach Sarkisian—grinning, microphone in hand, owning the moment. Co-host? Hype man? Maybe both. And his mere presence conveyed more than words could. Look, rather than leave each other, those two opted to remain united. Although they weren’t perfect, that’s what made them real.

Hold on, furthermore, in a stunning time-lapse video, the event’s setup unfolded like a dream. “I’m so excited to be bringing Paris to Austin, Tx✨ XOLO 🤍,” Loreal wrote, capturing the essence of the moment. Safe to say, her passion for fashion radiated through every detail, proving she’s not just hosting an event—she’s crafting a legacy.