Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian Named to Midseason Watch List

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian was named to the Dodd Trophy midseason watch list.

After three years of being the head coach for the Texas Longhorns, Steve Sarkisian has been named to a midseason watch list: the Dodd Trophy watch list. 

The Dodd Trophy recognizes a college football head coach who not only emphasizes the importance of success in the football world but who also underlines academic excellence and character.

Sarkisian has led the Longhorns to a historic start of the season, clenching a 5-1 record (2-1 in the Big 12). The Horns have made the Top-10 rank in the AP poll for the past six weeks, which has not occurred since 2009.

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian  / © Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY

With an average of 486.5 yards per game, Texas is ranked at the No. 13 slot for total offense nationally. Defensively speaking, in total defense, the Longhorns have claimed the No. 25 spot on a national level. 

Not only has Sarkisian been added to the Dodd Trophy midseason watch list, but on Tuesday the head coach was named to the Bryant Award watch list, which is presented in January to the coach who makes contributions to the fans and athletes both on the football turf and off. 

The program’s graduation rate, Graduation Success Rate (GSR), commitment to service and charity in the community, on-field success thus far for the 2023 season and Academic Progress Rate (APR), according to Texas Athletics, is taken into consideration when selecting the winner of the Dodd Trophy

On December 30, 2023, the week of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, the Dodd Trophy recipient will be announced and presented by PNC Bank.