When University of Texas head football coach Steve Sarkisian discussed NIL issues, fans took to social media to deliver their visceral response. College football has entered a new era that does not look like it will disappear anytime soon. Within the construct of NIL, schools will now enjoy the ability to pay their players an actual salary.
From afar, it looks like a brilliant idea. In some respects, it does make sense. However, what happens when even the richest programs receive requests that seem too large to fulfill?
How Did Steve Sarkisian’s NIL Comments Spark Fan Outrage?
Everything is bigger in Texas, from the dinner plates to the air conditioners. Not to mention, football reigns supreme. The state boasts a proud tradition of producing elite talent and ensuring its signature school, the University of Texas, can compensate those players.
Now, with the veil of secrecy lifted, the payments fall under the purview of the institutions. Additionally, the House v. NCAA settlement set rigid guidelines for schools to follow.
With money flowing towards athletes, you’d think the Longhorns would easily fall in love with the new system. However, it appears Sarkisian isn’t enamored with the process. This became clear after he aired his opinion at SEC Media Days.
“We only have so much money to go around… We don’t talk about NIL, or revenue sharing, or publicity rights until the very end, and that may hurt us on some kids. But if the kid is coming to Texas for that reason, we don’t want him anyway.” – Steve Sarkisian NIL in recruiting… pic.twitter.com/PeHOwXyu0A
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) July 15, 2025
Sarkisian said, “We only have so much money to go around…When kids come on our campus, one of the first things we do, we don’t talk about NIL. We don’t talk about NIL, or revenue sharing or publicity rights until the very end. And that may hurt us on some kids. But if a kid is coming to Texas for that reason, we don’t want him anyway. Fans were quick to respond on Instagram and they did not hold back.
What Are Fans Saying About Texas’s NIL Approach?
The response from fans was swift and pointed. One comment immediately called out the apparent contradiction in Sarkisian’s message:
“But puts 8 lambos on the field when it’s recruiting time”
This comment hits at the heart of the alleged hypocrisy. If Texas tries to be fiscally responsible, why place sports cars as props on recruiting visits?
Another fan took aim at the coach’s claims about spending restraint:
“They’re literally number 1 in NIL spending lol. I don’t care personally, but stop acting like you aren’t star hunting any top players you can get.”
This criticism carries weight. A recent On3.com poll of 17 stakeholders in and around the sport unanimously chose the Longhorns as the school that forks out the most money. Yet, the coach is making a case for tightening the metaphorical belt.
Perhaps the most cutting response came from a fan who highlighted the salary disparity:
“Meanwhile this coach has a salary of 6-8 Million a year but telling kids don’t worry about the money!”
This response comes from what you might call the irony section of the comment thread. The accurate observation seems to place NIL in its proper perspective. According to the Associated Press, Sarkisian signed a contract extension that will pay him $10.8 million annually, with annual raises.
The final comment that stood out questioned the coach’s motivations:
“Steve what did you go to Texas for?”
Sarkisian is a California native. He played quarterback at Brigham Young University and held coaching jobs at USC, Alabama, and Washington. He has no ties to Texas, so asking why he accepted the job makes sense. If Sarkisian went to Texas to reap the benefits that come with wearing burnt orange, why can’t players do the same?
Fans want honesty from coaches. Texas spends millions on talent acquisition. That’s the nature of the beast. No one should begrudge that fact. With all of the NIL money flowing from Hill Country, will it be enough to win a national title?
