Texas Longhorns
· 2026-07-10
Texas Longhorns have found consistent success in college football, with former head coach Mack Brown attributing this to strong recruiting and coaching.
The Longhorns have been able to balance NIL money and develop players to win games, with Brown praising current head coach Steve Sarkisian's approach.
Texas athletic department reported $3.2 million spent on revenue sharing in 2025, and quarterback Arch Manning has an NIL valuation of $5.4 million.
Brown's comments come as the Longhorns prepare to face Texas State Bobcats on September 5, 2026, and look to make another College Football Playoff appearance.
The Longhorns missed the playoff last season after back-to-back appearances in the national semifinals.
Texas A&M, on the other hand, has struggled to win despite having top recruiting classes, including the No. 1 class in 2022.
Brown mentioned that having money doesn't guarantee wins, citing examples of programs that have invested in football but haven't seen consistent success.
The Longhorns will face Texas A&M on November 27 in College Station, and Brown knows a thing or two about preventing A&M victories, having handed them 10 defeats in 14 meetings during his UT coaching career.
And with the addition of NIL money, coaches have to climb another mountain to forge team chemistry, especially with the discrepancy in player pay.
But Brown is impressed with Sarkisian's balance of NIL money and getting players that fit the Longhorn program.
So the fact that Texas has money gives them a chance, but it doesn't guarantee they'll win, as seen with programs like Florida State, which has won seven games in the last two seasons after going 13-1 in 2023.
Texas A&M is still in search of a College Football Playoff win, despite being a top earner and spender in the sport.
The Longhorns will look to continue their consistent success with strong recruiting and coaching, and their next game against Texas State Bobcats will be a key test.