AUSTIN, Texas â Steve Sarkisian had little interest in allowing legal disputes and eligibility questions to dominate the conversation before Texas faces Ohio State.
Appearing live on ESPNâs College GameDay Saturday morning, the Texas coach delivered a direct response when the discussion turned toward the off-field issues surrounding college football.
âWeâre not talking about injunctions and TROs and lawsuits. Weâre talking about a hell of a football game thatâs gonna get played tonight.â
â Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian on College GameDay
"We're not talking about injunctions and TROs and lawsuits. We're talking about a hell of a football game that's gonna get played tonight."
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 12, 2026
âCoach Steve Sarkisian ahead of Texas' matchup with Ohio State đ pic.twitter.com/KoS1t1Ae2y
The remark immediately drew a reaction from the panel and the large Texas crowd gathered outside the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin. It also carried added significance because of the unresolved eligibility situation involving veteran Longhorns offensive lineman Cole Hutson.
Why Sarkisian Mentioned Lawsuits and Restraining Orders
Sarkisian did not identify a particular court case during his appearance. However, his reference to injunctions, temporary restraining orders and lawsuits appeared to reflect the wider legal battle over college eligibilityâand the uncertainty surrounding Hutson.
Hutson returned to Texas after going undrafted and attending NFL rookie minicamps. His attempt to play a fifth college season became part of a complicated eligibility dispute involving court orders and the NCAA.
A federal injunction initially provided a route for members of the 2022 recruiting class to compete for another season. That ruling was subsequently stayed by an appeals court, leaving affected players facing renewed uncertainty.
The NCAA later ruled Hutson ineligible for a separate reason, according to ESPNâs report on the Texas lineman. Sarkisian previously said the program was working with the NCAA to resolve the matter.
Instead of expanding on that dispute Saturday, Sarkisian shifted attention toward the matchup between No. 4 Texas and No. 1 Ohio State.
His message was simple: whatever is happening in courtrooms and administrative offices will not decide what happens under the lights in Austin.
Saban Rejects Week 1 Noise as Austin Crowd Takes Over
Nick Saban delivered an equally blunt message during another segment. While discussing the criticism and sweeping conclusions that followed the opening weekend, the former Alabama coach urged teams to ignore outside reactions.
âItâs about us. Donât listen to all that bulls—.â
â Nick Saban on College GameDay
Sabanâs uncensored response quickly became another widely shared moment from the Austin broadcast. Pat McAfee also worked the packed crowd as Texas supporters arrived carrying signs and preparing for one of the biggest home games in recent program history.
Actor and University of Texas student Glen Powell was selected as the celebrity guest picker. Powell previously appeared as a GameDay picker before Texas faced No. 1 Alabama in 2022, finishing that week with a 7-5 record.
Saturday marks Texasâ 11th time hosting College GameDay. The Longhorns entered the show with a 5-5 record in their previous home appearances. Ohio State, meanwhile, is making its record-extending 69th appearance on the program, according to ESPNâs official GameDay preview.
There is history attached to this particular setting. When Texas hosted No. 1 Ohio State in 2006, the Buckeyes left Austin with a 24-7 victory. Ohio State also beat Texas 14-7 last season and currently holds a 3-2 advantage in the series.
This yearâs meeting places Arch Manning opposite Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin in an early-season game carrying playoff and Heisman Trophy implications. Both teams enter at 1-0, while Texas is listed as a narrow home favorite.
The sold-out game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium and will air nationally on ABC. Official stadium and broadcast information is available through the Texas Athletics game center.
This article will be updated with Glen Powellâs selection and the complete College GameDay picks once the final segment airs.
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