Steve Sarkisian learned about Arkansas rivalry the hard way—now ex-Hog's his x-factor

Among Hog fans, it's hard to pin down a single team that everyone views as a rival. LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and even Missouri are teams hotly debated among Razorback Nation. Although, since conference realignment, one SEC newcomer has revived an old Southwest Conference rivalry that may put an end to the argument.

Until last year, it had been 32 years since Texas and Arkansas played as conference rivals, but thanks to a pre-SEC introductory beatdown in 2021, the heat between the two programs is alive and well.

Steve Sarkisian explain how he learned about Arkansas rivalry the hard way

While Arkansas won't take the podium at SEC Media Days until Thursday, the Texas Longhorns wrapped up Tuesday's interviews. The last question head coach Steve Sarkisian took on stage was about the Arkansas/Texas Rivalry. Oklahoma and Texas A&M usually steal most of the media spotlight when it comes to their rivalries with the Horns. However, Sarkisian seems to have a special place in his heart for the matchup with the Hogs, mostly because he found out about the rivalry the hard way.

"When I took the job, I knew of the rivalry with OU. I knew of the rivalry with A&M," said Sarkisian. I found out about the rivalry against Arkansas when they whooped our ass in my second game of my career when I got to Texas."

It was his first taste of the rivalry, and moreover, his first of the SEC as the head coach of Texas. Since then, Sarkisian has turned the Longhorns' program into a powerhouse again, successfully bringing Texas "back" after years of premature fan celebrations. Now, not only will Arkansas have to face Texas while it's back on top of the college football world, but the Hogs' offense will see a familiar face in the Horns' front seven.

Brad Spence now an x-factor for matchup versus Hogs

Brad Spence was one of the many players to leave Arkansas after the end of the season. However, Sarkisian informed the media Tuesday that Spence—among other new additions to the LB Room—is a strategic piece to the Longhorns' defense.

Sarkisian praised the depth of the defensive room in Austin, describing it as the "most talented and deepest defense" he has coached at Texas. Luckily for them, the Horns only had to replace 39 percent of their production from last year. However, it's not only the players themselves, but the approach in which Texas has acquired them, that has Sarkisian excited.

"We tried to make it a really versatile room," said Sarkisian. "We're trying to create a room where we can give multiple looks but still stay true to who we are, but you've got to have the players to do that. I think that we've recruited that room that way..."

Sarkisian highlights one player after another, explaining what each brings to the table. His plans for Spence are to play him off the ball and play him off the edge, which fits his skillset perfectly.

Unfortunately for Arkansas, the offensive line has struggled with pressure, particularly from the second level. Since the Hogs lost three starters on the OL to the transfer portal, it's unclear whether they'll struggle again in 2025. But when the Razorbacks face Texas in Austin on Nov. 22, Spence could be a huge part of the Longhorns' game plan.

Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green has already explained what Texas is getting in Spence. "They're getting a dawg," Green told OnTexas Football. "Flying around the ball, sideline to sideline, a smart player who's got a good feel for football and really good instincts. He'll definitely make it tough on us, but I love Brad, and it's going to be a great one, I'm excited for."