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AUSTIN (KXAN) Few in-state rivalries carry as much weight as Texas-Texas A&M.
While emotions have spilled over during the two seasons since the rivalry resumed, head coaches Steve Sarkisian and Mike Elko made one thing clear at SEC Media Days: respect remains at the center of it.
Speaking Thursday, Sarkisian reflected on the intensity surrounding last seasons game.
He adamantly said he was "not happy" about a jumbotron video played following Texas win that featured Elko calling Texas A&M the states flagship program.
However, Sarkisian quickly steered the conversation toward the significance of the rivalry and his appreciation for being part of it.
"Its a hell of a rivalry," Sarkisian said.
"Im fortunate to be part of it.
Im humbled.
Im honored.
The great players, the great teams, the great coaches who have been part of this game, I respect it, and I respect the competition." Texas has won both meetings since the rivalry returned, with each late-season matchup carrying major postseason implications.
The Longhorns 17-7 win at Kyle Field in 2024 secured a spot in the SEC Championship Game.
Last season, the Aggies entered the matchup undefeated, while Sarkisian said Texas was fighting for what felt like its "playoff life." Because of those high stakes, Sarkisian said keeping his teams emotions in check has been critical.
"We had a team that was trying to go and plant a flag two years ago, and I wouldnt let that happen," Sarkisian said.
"I respect the game of football, and I respect college football, and I respect the football gods, and theres a way to go about our business, and theres a way not." Sarkisian believes that emotional discipline has helped Texas navigate not only its matchups with the Aggies, but also other rivalry games against Oklahoma and Arkansas.
"I think we do a good job of managing our emotions, but thats a real challenge when you get into games like that," Sarkisian said.
Elko expressed similar respect for Sarkisian when he spoke Wednesday at SEC Media Days.
The Aggies head coach praised Sarkisian as one of college footballs top offensive minds and said the respect between the two coaches remains despite the fierce competition on the field.
"I think theres a lot of mutual respect between the two head coaches despite the fierce rivalry and need to win the game that we both have," Elko said.
Elko specifically highlighted Sarkisians ability to blend Texas run game with its diverse play-action attack, calling the Longhorns one of the most challenging offenses he has faced.
"I think he does a phenomenal job on offense," Elko said.
"I think hes really, really challenging with the diversity of play-action attack that he has and how he marries that to the different run games." The mutual respect between the two sides has not diminished the intensity of the rivalry.
Instead, both coaches suggested that it has helped elevate the series since its return.
Another marquee matchup is anticipated during the 2026 college football season, and emotions are once again expected to run high.
While the feelings surrounding the rivalry are not going anywhere, neither coach appears interested in allowing them to overshadow the respect they have for the game.
Texas will face Texas A&M during the final week of the regular season at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov.
27, at Kyle Field in College Station.