Steve Sarkisian 'loves the opportunity' to face defending national champions

No Week 1 matchup comes more highly anticipated that the rematch of the January’s Cotton Bowl between Texas and Ohio State. The Buckeyes ended the Longhorns season in that matchup on its way to winning the national championship.

Steve Sarkisian is looking forward to leading his team into the challenging season opener, but isn’t allowing himself to be caught up in what happened last season. Both teams underwent changes to their staff and roster this past offseason, which has helped shape the Texas head coach’s perspective. Still, it’s a shot to beat the national champions right out of the gates.

“I think the competitor in you loves the opportunity,” Sarkisian said at SEC Media Days. “… The reality of it is, when you really dive deep into it, we’re different teams. We’re a different team, they’re a different team. They got they got new offensive coordinator, new defensive coordinator. We’ve got some new coaches that are getting acclimated to what we’re doing. We’ve got new faces, new players that we’re going to be counting on some transfers and things.

“You start to shift the focus away from the emotional side, and you start drilling into them that this is going to be a good team, it’s going to be a tough environment. We’re going to need to play good football that day to come out on top.”

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day named Brian Hartline as offensive coordinator and Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator this offseason, among other changes to the Buckeyes staff. Ohio State also brought in nine transfers after losing 16 to the portal.

Texas made minor changes to its staff this offseason. While Texas saw 11 players transfer into its program, the Longhorns also bring in the No. 1 overall recruiting class per the On3 Industry Rankings. That includes five 5-star recruits. The Buckeyes have the No. 5 class.

One of the main differences fans will notice — new faces under center. Arch Manning has been the heir to Quinn Ewers since he arrived on campus. Meanwhile, Julian Sayin is expected to be the starter for the reigning national champions. He’s a former Five-Star-Plus+ talent from the 2024 class.

“Yes, we want to go win that game,” Sarkisian said. “We want to go avenge the loss, but the reality is that this is a whole new year, and a different set of circumstances are obviously on the table. But obviously, recognizing and respecting that this is a heck of an opponent and that it’s going to be a great challenge.”

All eyes will be on the Longhorns and Buckeyes when the two College Football Playoff contenders do battle during Week 1. Kickoff is slated for Saturday, Aug. 30 at Noon ET live on FOX.