While Kentucky and Texas football have only faced off once—a 7-6 Texas victory in 1951—their head coaches share a long-standing friendship that adds intrigue to this weekend’s matchup.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian recently spoke highly of Kentucky’s Mark Stoops, emphasizing his admiration for Stoops’ defensive expertise and disciplined coaching style. Sarkisian even revealed that he once tried to hire Stoops while coaching at Washington, but Stoops declined to remain on staff with his brother.
“Mark and I are very good friends,” Sarkisian said, noting his respect for Stoops’ coaching pedigree, which stems from his family’s long history in the profession. He credited Stoops’ 12-year tenure at Kentucky for building teams that are consistently “sound, disciplined, and well-recruited.”
As Kentucky (4-6, 1-6 SEC) prepares to take on No. 3 Texas (9-1), the Wildcats face a tall order. Needing to win their final two games to reach bowl eligibility, Stoops’ squad has struggled with consistency this season but has shown flashes of resilience. Despite setbacks, the Wildcats have held their own against elite teams like Georgia and Ole Miss, and Stoops remains confident in their ability to play at a high level.
Texas, meanwhile, boasts one of the nation’s most balanced teams under Sarkisian. With a potent offense and a formidable defense, the Longhorns are legitimate playoff contenders. However, Kentucky has a history of thriving in underdog roles, and Stoops will look to inspire his team to rise to the occasion once again.
For Stoops, this game offers more than just an opportunity to secure a win. It’s a chance to demonstrate his program’s growth on a national stage. Can Kentucky pull off another upset, like their road victory in Oxford earlier this season, and derail Texas’ playoff hopes?
Fans will find out on Saturday as the Wildcats aim to write another memorable chapter in Stoops’ legacy.
