Texas is transitioning to a new conference this season after dominating the Big 12 last in 2023. But can Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns live up to their hype in the SEC, the conference known to develop CFP programs? Despite proving his dominance over SEC powerhouse Alabama last season, retired HC Nick Saban doesn’t think so. 

Last September, Sarkisian received a standing ovation when Texas beat Alabama 34-24, a remarkable feat for the Longhorns’ HC who spent five years coaching the Crimson Tide under Saban’s leadership. He then said, “I owe everything to him. I would not be standing here in front of you guys without Nick Saban. That’s very clear and I’ll never waiver on that.” Despite his loyalty to Saban, the College GameDay analyst decides to stick with the reality. 

It was in a discussion on the SEC Network’s ‘SEC Now’ show on July 15 that Nick Saban delivered a harsh reality check on Steve Sarkisian and Texas joining the SEC. On3 posted a statement by the retired SEC HC on Instagram where he said of Texas, “What kind of tickles me is all these people asking questions about how Texas always ran the conference they were in. They’re not gonna run the SEC.”

Saban tried to smooth things down, saying, “They’ll be a good team and a great program and Sark will do a great job.” Nevertheless, it’s an ouch factor for Sarkisian and Texas who had a 12-2 season last year with a CFP appearance. The Longhorns will have their first year to prove if they’re a worthy SEC program and it looks like they already have the upper hand in their new conference. 

The Texas Longhorns’ place in the SEC

Look on the bright side for as far as stats go, the Longhorns look okay. The SEC currently has 15 programs and Texas only has losing records against two programs which are the South Carolina Gamecocks whom they met once in 1957 and the Vanderbilt Commodores who exceed the Longhorns with an 8-3 record. 

Texas is currently 255-145-13 against the SEC teams. Ever since the 2009 National Championship game where Alabama crushed Texas, the rivalry between the two teams has been tremendous. Still, Texas leads with six games. While fans wish to see the action between Texas and Alabama this season, they’re not scheduled to meet this season. The Longhorns will open against CSU on September 1. Will they cement their credibility in the SEC this season?