Sarkisian details his massive roster turnover, discussing navigating the portal and NIL to build a championship-contending Texas team.
With the introduction of the Transfer Portal and Name, Image, and Likeness into college football, many programs are going through tons of roster retooling every offseason.
And there's probably no better coach to speak on those issues than Texas football head coach Steve Sarkisian.
"We're probably the epitome of college football today. We had 40 scholarship players leave our program off of last year's team," Sarkisian said on Monday. "We've added 43 scholarship players, with 19 portal guys coming in... You have to adapt.”
Bringing in boatloads of experienced talent every offseason may seem like a surefire way to success. Still, it's also very difficult for a new-look roster to gel as quickly as coaches want it to.
Sarkisian would've liked to see more of his key players from last year's squad return, but college football is changing, and programs are having to rethink their entire team-building process.
"It's hard to see Tre Wisner leave. It's hard to see Parker Livingstone leave. It's hard to see DeAndre Moore leave, or Cedric Baxter," Sarkisian said. "I also have to remind myself that this is college football today. As much as, contrary to popular belief, our money isn't endless here, either. We have to make real decisions on where we're trying to spend the money."
One key aspect of Texas' portal shopping spree was not sacrificing "character for talent." One of the areas the Longhorns were able to do that was the running back room.
Texas replaced the aforementioned Wisner and Baxter with two explosive backs in Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown.
Sarkisian believes these two additions will help the Longhorns "get back to being the explosive offense" that they want to be.
"I felt like we had an opportunity to get back to the style of players that fit what we were trying to do," Sarkisian said. "To get two experienced players that have done it at a high level at the Power Four level, all conference type players, is going to benefit us."
Another huge addition to the Texas offense this offseason was former Auburn wideout Cam Coleman.
Sarkisian knew Coleman would be one of the most coveted players in the portal due to his talent and great production, but what stuck out to him was his character.
"The biggest thing that came out of it for me is what an awesome individual this is... He hasn't disappointed since he's arrived," Sarkisian said. "He came here with real intentions and a real reason of understanding he wants to compete for a national championship."
So while getting to know all his new players is certainly an adjustment, Sarkisian is extremely excited about the talent and culture present on his current roster.
The goal for this year's team is simple - win the whole dang thing. So far, the Longhorns are off to a hot start.