Story perspectives

Texas Coach Slam Ole Miss Over Academics, Transfers

5/13/2026

Summary

Sarkisian Accuses OleMiss

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian accused Ole Miss of academic laxity and transfer-portal tampering.
He said Texas counts only half of credit hours, Ole Miss lets students graduate by basket weaving, and Ole Miss paid million-dollar check to linebacker Luke Ferrelli.
He warned that the “wild-west” of football, with NIL deals and eligibility lawsuits, is wearing him out before Texas-OleMiss game in October at Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.

Summary

Sarkisian Flags Chaos

Steve Sarkisian told USA Today the college-football scene feels like a “wild west” with no consequences.
He said the committee lacks transparency, cannot watch all teams, and relies on polls, a problem that would worsen with a 24-team playoff requiring monitoring 40-50 games weekly.
He warned the October 24, 2026 Texas-Ole Miss game in Austin will be must-watch TV and spark extra drama.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA’s push for academic accountability began in the 1980s when the President’s Commission pressed presidents to adopt graduation-rate metrics, culminating in the 2011 decision to raise the Academic Progress Rate benchmark to 930 points. Steve Sarkisian’s 2026 outburst warning Texas about Ole Miss’s lax standards revives that legacy as expanding NIL deals and a 24-team playoff intensify calls for tighter oversight.

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Sarkisian Accuses OleMiss

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian accused Ole Miss of academic laxity and transfer-portal tampering.
He said Texas counts only half of credit hours, Ole Miss lets students graduate by basket weaving, and Ole Miss paid million-dollar check to linebacker Luke Ferrelli.
He warned that the “wild-west” of football, with NIL deals and eligibility lawsuits, is wearing him out before Texas-OleMiss game in October at Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin.

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