Stephen A. Smith didn't hold back when he called out Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian for his recent comments about Ole Miss academics. During a heated segment on ESPN's First Take in May 2026, Smith labeled Sarkisian's remarks "classless," "totally wrong," and "a low damn blow."

So, what sparked this firestorm? It all started when Sarkisian criticized the transfer portal's academic regulations in an interview with USA Today Sports. He contrasted Texas's strict credit-transfer rules with what he described as a far more lenient approach at Ole Miss. Specifically, Sarkisian noted that the University of Texas only accepts 50% of an incoming transfer student's credit hours, forcing players to retake courses for a Texas degree. Then came the jab that crossed the line: "But at Ole Miss, they can take you. All you have to do is take basket weaving, and you can get an Ole Miss degree."

An Ole Miss spokesperson quickly fired back, telling ESPN that Sarkisian's comments were taken out of context regarding recruiting tampering. They argued Sarkisian was trying to highlight Texas's academic rigor—but the damage was done.

Smith devoted a full three minutes on First Take to dismantle the statement. He argued that no SEC coach should publicly diminish a peer institution, especially one that's a conference rival. "Using 'basket weaving' as a shorthand for an Ole Miss degree," Smith said, "diminishes the hard work of thousands of students and alumni trying to prosper."

Smith also pointed out the irony of the situation. Ole Miss made the College Football Playoff last season, while Texas missed out. And on the field, Smith claimed Ole Miss currently has the better quarterback in Trinidad Chambliss, while Texas is still waiting for Arch Manning to develop. Ouch.

Smith wasn't the only critic, but he made his stance clear: if Sarkisian or Texas officials issue a public apology, he plans to ignore it completely. With this rivalry heating up, all eyes are on the next matchup between these two SEC powerhouses.