Texas Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian rejects 'soft' criticism after 20-17 win over Tennessee

In Knoxville, Tennessee, the top-ranked Texas Longhorns defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 20-17 on Saturday, September 26, 2026. After the game, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian criticized an anonymous coach who had called the Longhorns "soft" in a recent article. Texas's defense recorded ten sacks, including five by Colin Simmons, and held Tennessee to 221 yards. However, Simmons also drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for a vulgar celebration, which Sarkisian said he addressed with the team. The win kept Texas undefeated, and they will face Oklahoma next after a bye week.