College Football Coaches Stir Controversy But The Game Won’t Change

The buzz you feel from Texas is not a tornado threat, but rather an exchange between two college football coaches. Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian recently criticized the schedule strength of Texas Tech. Red Raiders head coach Joey Maguire responded, expressing eagerness to play the Longhorns and even offered to cancel their game against Abilene Christian to do so.

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire calls a timeout during an NCAA college football game against BYU in Lubbock, Texas, on Nov. 8, 2025.
(AP Photo/Annie Rice)

Despite the heated words, such a matchup will not happen. Both teams wouldn’t cancel existing games just to face each other, and their respective conferences and the NCAA would not permit it. Assuming they could, it’s in Texas’ best interest to refuse the proposal.

Adding Texas Tech to their schedule offers Texas no benefit but poses risks. Teams are canceling challenging non-conference games to improve their playoff chances, so increasing their schedule’s difficulty makes no sense.

Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns holds the Horns Up gesture as he walks into Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium before the SEC football game against Texas A&M on Nov. 28, 2025, in Austin, Texas.
(David Buono/Icon Sportswire)

Last season, Texas nearly made the playoffs with a 9-3 record, including a 3-1 record against top-10 teams from October. If they had scheduled an easier opponent instead of Ohio State and finished 10-2, they might have secured a playoff spot.

This year, Texas faces another tough non-conference line-up with Ohio State, UTSA, and Texas State, all bowl-eligible in the past season. Their league schedule includes games against Tennessee, LSU, Texas A&M, Florida, and Ole Miss. These teams, particularly those like Florida and Tennessee, make for a challenging season.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates with offensive linemen Trevor Goosby and Brandon Baker after a win over Texas A&M in Austin, Texas, on Nov. 28, 2025.
(AP Photo/Stephen Spillman)

Including Texas Tech on their schedule would not enhance Texas’ playoff chances. A loss could damage their resume more than a win would strengthen it. Joey Maguire’s challenge seems more motivational than feasible. Adding a Power Four contender might boost Tech’s schedule, but it won’t happen.

The SEC, often criticized for alleged easy schedules, is shown to be rigorous by Texas’ lineup this year. While Texas and Texas Tech could potentially meet in playoffs, neither would risk an extra loss during the regular season.

These remarks reflect the nature of college football today, where teams weigh the consequences of every game.

Austin Perry is a writer for OutKick.