AUSTIN, Texas — In 2023, Texas captured the Big 12 championship as it was preparing to transition to the Southeastern Conference, marking its final performance in the league. Meanwhile, Arizona State experienced a triumphant debut, clinching the league title in their first season. Now, the former and current champions from the Big 12 are set to face off, as the fifth-seeded Longhorns take on the fourth-seeded Sun Devils in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff at the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Both teams entered the season with skepticism about their abilities to succeed. Texas, with a 12-2 record, needed to demonstrate its readiness to compete in the SEC. Arizona State, finishing with an 11-2 record, was expected to finish at the bottom of the Big 12 standings. However, the Sun Devils quickly adapted, showcasing their capability to win and enjoy the new atmosphere in college towns that are smaller compared to many of their former venues in the more affluent Pac-12.
Under the leadership of All-American running back Cam Skattebo, Arizona State embraced its new surroundings and challenges. Coach Kenny Dillingham shared his insights about the shift in environment, recalling how they had to acclimate to the unique experiences of schools like Texas Tech. “We were not accustomed to having tortillas thrown at us. These are environments quite different from what we experienced in the Pac-12,” Dillingham said.
Dillingham has also made strong connections in Texas, with his team actively recruiting local talent and integrating transfers from Texas into their roster. Current players such as safety Xavion Alford and defensive end Prince Dorbah have added depth to Arizona State, while others, like defensive lineman Zac Swanson, relish the chance to compete against their former team. Swanson shared his motivation, reflecting on his journey after being deemed not good enough to make the cut at Texas. “It’s been on my agenda for a while to prove them wrong,” he remarked.
Dillingham humorously expressed his desire to bring in even more Texas transfers, while Sarkisian, head coach of Texas, acknowledged missing out on securing talented players like Skattebo during the recruiting process. “I was unaware of his potential; they made a great find with him,” Sarkisian said, impressed by the Sun Devils’ inaugural success in the Big 12.
Sarkisian reflected on Texas’s long history in the Big 12 and praised Arizona State’s accomplishment of securing a championship in its first year. “We were in that league for 27 years and won four titles. For them to achieve this right away is quite impressive,” he stated. He also noted that the Sun Devils are playing with considerable confidence, especially in the last couple of months.
Despite their championship success and playoff appearance, Texas faced skepticism regarding their transition to the SEC. However, the Longhorns demonstrated their preparedness and advanced to the SEC championship, suffering their only two defeats against Georgia, the second-seed in the playoff.
Sarkisian fondly reflects on his initial year with Texas, where the team finished 5-7, and recognizes the resilience shown by players who chose to stay committed to the program through challenges. “I’m proud of our seniors and leaders for their belief and dedication despite the ups and downs,” Sarkisian concluded.
