Look, Steve Sarkisian is a busy man right now. He is amidst a lot of things, but first, he’s focused on facing the Tigers on Dec. 21.

There’s just something captivating about this offseason—it’s less a quiet reflection and more a storm of speculation, rumors, and heated debates. At Texas Longhorns, that storm is brewing around Quinn Ewers, and you can blame that 23-year-old ‘Bama slayer guy’ for this. Their golden-armed redshirt junior has one eye on the NFL draft and the other on leading Texas to glory deep in the playoffs. But with Coach Sark’s latest comments about eligibility rules, it can feel like a bit sharky for someone with the #3 kit.

Because you know the man. Steve Sarkisian didn’t hold back when asked about Vandy’s graduate Diego Pavia’s controversial court-granted extra year of eligibility. “I totally disagree with the NCAA’s determination on this,” the 2023 Big 12 winner said in a candid interview clip shared by CBS Sports College Football on Instagram. “We chose to go to junior college football, and that’s where we wanted to start and play our career. So I don’t understand it at all. We’re gonna have guys 28, 29 years old, playing college football. Like, what’s the point, man? I don’t get it. I totally disagree with it.” His frustration was palpable, and for good reason. Sarkisian himself played two years of JUCO football before quarterbacking for BYU, with those years counting toward his eligibility. The idea of a different standard for Pavia? It clearly didn’t sit well.

But Sark’s fiery critique carries broader implications, particularly for his own QB1 (at least for now). Quinn Ewers, at 21, has yet to commit to either the NFL draft or another season in Austin. “I’m not sure yet,” Ewers said earlier this week. “I’m just trying to win these [College Football Playoff] games. I haven’t thought about anything beyond that.” While diplomatic, his indecision has sparked debate. Would another year, as a senior, force Sark to eat his own words about Vanderbilt’s 23-year-old? Sark seemed pretty adamant about clean breaks, not extended stays, especially after a 2-4 bowl record. Let’s be honest, those weren’t exactly ringing endorsements for older players.

Ewers’ resume for the NFL is undeniable. He’s thrown for 2,665 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions this season, completing 66.2% of his passes and guiding Texas to their second straight CFP berth. Mock drafts already have him as a top-10 pick for 2025. Yet, whispers of a potential return to Austin linger, fueled by the promise of further development and another shot at cementing his legacy with a potential national championship. But with Arch Manning—the league’s most hyped backup—waiting in the wings, any decision Ewers makes will have ripple effects.

There’s also the matter of Manning’s patience. After two seasons behind Ewers, the pressure to give the blue-chip recruit his shot will only grow. Some argue Texas would be better served holding an open quarterback competition next season, especially with the Anakin Skywalker lookalike’s sky-high ceiling. Sark’s no-nonsense approach to coaching makes it clear he values meritocracy. But would keeping Ewers for another year be worth the potential disruption? It’s a delicate balance, and Sark’s recent comments might tip the scales toward encouraging Ewers to take his talents to the NFL when he can and let other younger talents groove.

Wonder why these athletes are in this hurry, forced to make a decision during the most crucial phase of their CFB careers. This is why a lot of coaches, not just Sark, are furious with the hierarchy.

Don’t open that portal; Steve Sarkisian slams fate

That’s very unfair what’s happening in CFB right now, moreover for the young talents. The Pavia eligibility case already made it worse. Now, the quarterback carousel is in full swing this month, with rumors swirling around Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. While beat reporters are convinced Ewers will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft after the CFP, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian claims to be in the dark about his quarterback’s plans. “I don’t ask any player on our team, ‘Are you turning pro or not?’” Sark said in his Monday press conference. Fair enough, but you have to wonder if he’s really that hands-off or just playing it cool.

The timing, though, has Sark bristling. Both Ewers and Manning are being forced to weigh their futures while Texas prepares for its biggest games of the year. Sarkisian called the situation downright unfair. “In three weeks, the NFL playoffs are going to begin,” he pointed out. “But imagine every one of those players becoming free agents the day they announce who’s in the playoffs. That’s what’s happening in college football.” Like you just can’t focus on the present.

And Sark’s not alone in his frustration. Over at Penn State, head coach James Franklin is also dealing with QB drama. Following backup Beau Pribula’s decision to hit the transfer portal ahead of their bowl game, Franklin bluntly declared, “The sport of college football has problems.” You’re not wrong, Coach.