In the ever-shifting world of college athletics, Texas Longhorns head football coach Steve Sarkisian finds himself deep in the weeds of recruiting during the NIL era. With the 2025 season still in progress, Sarkisian’s gaze is already drifting toward the 2026 class.
He’s juggling that while also dealing with the headaches caused by the wild west of player agents. There’s not much in the way of rules right now, and it’s a problem that’s hard to ignore.
The Impact of NIL on College Football Recruitment
NIL deals have flipped college football recruiting on its head, and suddenly, it’s as much about money as it is about talent. Athletes can cash in on their names like never before, but that’s not without its downsides.
Sarkisian’s biggest gripe? There’s no real process to certify agents who are supposed to represent these young players. That’s a glaring gap, honestly.
The Lack of Regulation for Player Agents
Unlike the NFL, where agents need a certification, college football is the wild west. Anyone can claim to be an agent—even folks who have no business doing so.
*In college football, it might be their college roommate their freshman year who’s their agent right now,* Sarkisian says. That’s a little unsettling, if you ask me. He’s pushing for tighter rules, and it’s not hard to see why.
Challenges in Navigating the Transfer Portal
As the Longhorns get ready for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Michigan, Sarkisian’s also got the transfer portal to worry about. Players like running back Quintrevion Wisner have jumped ship, joining CJ Baxter and Rickey Stewart Jr.
It leaves some holes to fill, and the team’s got to be smart about how they plug them. There’s no easy fix, that’s for sure.
Strategic Recruitment and Financial Considerations
Sarkisian talks about being strategic—figuring out what the team truly needs and what’s just a luxury. The money side of things is everywhere now, with agents often steering the conversation toward dollar signs.
*We’ve just got to tighten it up,* he says, hoping for some real regulations soon. Until then, everyone’s just trying to keep up.
The Role of NIL Funds in Building a Competitive Team
Texas isn’t like most programs when it comes to NIL money—they’ve got plenty. The Longhorns led the country with a $22.2 million NIL budget for the 2025 season, and that’s not something you see every day.
That kind of cash brings in top-tier talent. Just look at their quarterback, Arch Manning.
Arch Manning: The Highest-Paid NIL Athlete
Arch Manning sits at the very top of the NIL earnings list in college football. He’s about to start his first bowl game on New Year’s Eve, and his presence alone shows what NIL money can do for a program.
He’s sticking with Texas through 2026, and you can bet the school’s deep pockets have something to do with it. It’s a new era, for better or worse.
Looking Ahead: The Future of College Football Recruitment
There’s no denying it—the landscape is changing fast. Sarkisian and the Longhorns are trying to keep up, but it’s clear that more regulation and smarter financial moves are needed.
The Call for Certification and Regulation
Sarkisian’s frustration over the lack of certified agents is hard to miss. Maybe it’s time for college football to borrow a page from the NFL’s book and set up a real certification process.
That could help protect these athletes from getting bad advice and keep the recruiting game a little more honest. One can hope, right?
Conclusion
College football recruitment is changing fast. NIL deals are suddenly a huge part of the game, shaping how teams build their futures.
Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns are right in the thick of it. They’re figuring out how to keep up, and honestly, it sounds like no one’s quite sure where it’s all headed.
It’s clear that managing these new challenges—regulations, money, all of it—is now part of the job. If Texas handles it well, they’ll keep pulling in top talent, maybe even set the pace for everyone else.
Curious about Sarkisian’s take? Check out the original article on WCCS Radio.
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