In a candid and wide-ranging exclusive, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian has delivered a blistering assessment of the current state of college football—a sport he says has spiraled beyond control.

"I try my best not to get consumed with how bad it is," Sarkisian admitted. "It just wears you out."

When the head coach of college football's most powerful program speaks, it's worth listening. Sarkisian has been around the block: He's helmed the Longhorns, coached at USC, and learned under Nick Saban at Alabama. His perspective carries weight, and his frustration is palpable.

The heart of the issue? A system where money rules, rules are optional, and consequences are virtually nonexistent.

"We all signed up to be part of the NCAA, and then we all allegedly make the rules," Sarkisian said. "Everyone knows the rules, right? Then we go to our attorney general and say we don't like that rule—let's just sue. Right now, no one is afraid of the consequences."

His critique cuts through the noise of a sport in turmoil: the College Football Playoff's selection process, unrestricted player movement, private NIL deals, and the slow erosion of academic standards. Sarkisian paints a picture of a game that's losing its soul to dollars and legal battles.

What makes his words particularly striking is that Sarkisian has nothing to gain by speaking out. His Longhorns are poised for another championship run in 2026, likely starting atop the preseason polls for the second straight year. He's led Texas to the CFP semifinals in two of the last three seasons. He has elite facilities, financial backing, and a program built to win.

Yet here he is, sounding the alarm. It's a reminder that even when you're sitting on top of the mountain, you can still see the cracks forming beneath you.