Analyst Flags Texas Pressure, Says Julian Sayin's 77.0% Season Is Undervalued
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 5
Analyst Flags Texas Pressure, Says Julian Sayin's 77.0% Season Is Undervalued
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 5
Summary
Texas enters 2026 under more pressure than Oregon, the analyst argues, because Steve Sarkisian is coming off a preseason No. 1 season that ended short and now must justify a likely $40 million-plus roster.
Julian Sayin is cast as one of the country's most overlooked quarterbacks despite a 77.0% completion rate, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions, with skepticism tied to Ohio State's elite receivers and his weaker showings in losses to Indiana and Miami.
The newly released coaches poll drew the sharpest criticism for ranking 7-6 Clemson at No. 23, while Indiana's defending 16-0 champion team sits only No. 6 and Miami, last year's No. 2 finisher, opens at No. 7.
The mailbag also argues schools are canceling marquee nonconference games because the Playoff offers little scheduling incentive, a trend the analyst says hurts ticket demand, TV value and could worsen if the field expands to 24 teams.