Texas coach Steve Sarkisian's awkward ESPN interview divides internet during team's win over Ohio State

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian had a long night on Saturday.

He saw the Longhorns go down 23-3 in the third quarter and then mount an epic comeback to stun Ohio State, 24-23. Over the course of the night, Sarkisian appeared to be frustrated with the halftime and postgame interview process.

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Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, center, celebrates with his players after their win over Ohio State in an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

The ESPN broadcast showed Sarkisian run through the tunnel as sideline reporter Laura Rutledge tried to track him down. Texas was down 20-3 at that point. Rutledge explained that Sarkisian waited for a while before the broadcast turned to him. She explained after the halftime kickoff that ESPN was dealing with technical issues while he waited for the interview to begin.

"I do want to make sure we clear something up. (Sarkisian) did decline the interview at the half. He had waited a long time, been very patient with some technical issues that we had. He apologized to us. We should be apologizing to him, which we did," she said.

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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian leaves the field following the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 12, 2026. Texas won 24-23. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

After Texas secured the victory, ESPN’s Holly Rowe tried to talk to the head coach. But that interview was a bit awkward.

Sarkisian had a few words before immediately rushing back to the locker room.

"Texas fight, hook ‘em," he said.

Sarkisian’s brief comments divided the internet as the college football Saturday came to an end.

Arch Manning had 195 passing yards and a touchdown pass in the come-from-behind victory. Hollywood Smothers ran two scores into the end zone and rushed for 74 yards.

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian celebrates with his players after their win over Ohio State in an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

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Ohio State’s Julian Sayin had 278 passing yards, a touchdown pass and an interception. Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown.