Gridiron Glory. Football Analysis. Expert Insights.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian
December 20, 2024 By  College Football, Texas Longhorns

‘He’d Be Singing A Different Tune If He Could Keep Manning An Extra Year’: Texas Football HC Blasted By Fans Following Shocking NCAA Ruling

Texas football will play in their second consecutive College Football Playoff this season. Alongside the new 12-team format, the Texas Longhorns will look for their first CFP victory since its inception circa 2014. Even if Texas falls short, the now-SEC power has a succession plan for most positions, including quarterback. This year, the Longhorns have had the luxury of housing two former five-star quarterbacks, Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. The duo ranked among the best passers in the conference, with Manning the logical successor for Ewers if he darts for the subsequent NFL Draft.

However, Diego Pavia of the Vanderbilt Commodores sits among them for top SEC quarterbacks. On Wednesday, Pavia earned his sixth year of eligibility, with the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee ruling that JUCO seasons no longer count toward eligibility. Pavia spent two seasons at New Mexico Military before transferring to New Mexico State and eventually Vanderbilt. Following the ruling, Texas football head coach Steve Sarkisian ripped the decision, much to fans’ displeasure.

Texas Football HC Under Fire By Fans For JUCO Comment

Texas football, Steve Sarkisian
Nov 30, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian speaks with line judge Michael Taylor during the second quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Longhorns defeated the Aggies 17-7 at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images (Texas Longhorns Football Team)

According to On3 through Twitter:

NEW: Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian on Diego Pavia’s eligibility ruling: “I totally disagree… we’re going to have guys 28-29 years old playing college football.” (h/t @Cory_Mose)

This week, the U.S. District Court of Middle Tennessee ruled in favor of Vanderbilt Commodores star quarterback Diego Pavia regarding another year of NCAA eligibility. Judge William Campbell ruled that counting JUCO seasons towards NCAA eligibility “violates antitrust laws,” giving Pavia another year as the Vandy signal-caller. Texas football leadman Steve Sarkisian did not hold back when discussing the ruling, saying, “What’s the point? I don’t get it. I don’t understand it. I totally disagree with it.”

The NCAA can challenge the court ruling. “The NCAA is disappointed in today’s ruling and wants all student-athletes to maximize their name, image, and likeness potential without depriving future student-athletes of opportunities,” said the governing body in a statement late Wednesday night. However, with Texas football bench boss Steve Sarkisian grabbing headlines for his displeasure with the ruling, fans put the head coach on blast:

https://twitter.com/big1074628/status/1869838684184526980

More Texas Football News by Gridiron Heroics

Texas Longhorns Arch Manning
Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) practices before the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

For More Football News:

For More Football News and to dive into the excitement, follow me on Twitter at Let’s_musa. Let’s get the conversation! I’m all ears for your thoughts and insights. You can also reach out to me via email at musaalec@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest college and NFL news, click here!

Avatar of Alec Musa

About Alec Musa

Alec is a sports writer and former college/high school football coach from Phoenix, Arizona. Before taking on his current role at Gridiron Heroics, Alec worked for Sportskeeda in the same role. He covers the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Florida State Seminoles, and Michigan Wolverines.

Leave a Comment

Share your thoughts and join the discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay in the Game

Get the latest sports news and analysis delivered to your inbox.

Share This Article