Columnists Cedric Golden and Kirk Bohls are joined by Texas Longhorns football coach Steve Sarkisian on this week's "On Second Thought" podcast. (Statesman)
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, it's not. Our "On Second Thought" podcast on Longhorns sports is back and football season is just around the corner. Cue the "Jaws" music. But we didn't bring in a shark this week, we brought in a Sark. Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian joined me, Statesman columnist Cedric Golden and my colleague, columnist Kirk Bohls to chat ahead of the 2026 season opener Sept. 5 against Texas State. Watch or listen to it below, or find "On Second Thought" on Spotify. Watch the interview
As he enters Year 6 with UT, Sarkisian addressed the sense of urgency to win a championship at Texas for the first time since 2005. Quarterback Arch Manning ranked 13th among SEC quarterbacks in completion percentage last season. Can he improve those numbers with a bevy of talented wideouts? Defensive end Colin Simmons has the potential to be a top overall pick if he leaves for the draft next spring. How will he meld with athletic transfer linebacker Rasheem Biles under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp? Texas plays six of its first eight games at home but will be challenged on the road with games against Tennessee, LSU, Missouri and Texas A&M. How daunting is this schedule? Take a listen and send me your thoughts and questions to cgolden@statesman.com. Follow us for more Longhorns coverage
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Sign up for the Daily Briefing from the Austin American-Statesman. Start your day with the must-read headlines from Austin's most trusted news source. This article originally published at 'We've got a bullseye on us': Sarkisian talks 2026 plans, Arch Manning, Colin Simmons.