Here’s a bold statement: the way college athletes balance sports and academics is under the microscope, and it’s sparking some heated debates. But here’s where it gets controversial... Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian recently made waves by subtly calling out Ohio State’s approach to player education. In a recent statement, Sarkisian emphasized that his players at the University of Texas don’t have the luxury of taking online classes every day—they’re required to attend in-person. ‘Our players have to go to school, in person,’ he pointed out, adding, ‘We don’t get to go online every day like some other folks.’ While he didn’t name names, it’s hard not to connect the dots to Ohio State, whose football program has faced criticism for its academic standards, particularly its ‘distance-learning courses.’ These courses allow students to complete all instruction, assignments, and exams online, with no in-person requirements—a stark contrast to Texas’s approach.
And this is the part most people miss... Sarkisian’s comments come on the heels of former Ohio State wide receiver Mylan Graham’s transfer to Notre Dame. Graham noted that the biggest adjustment at Notre Dame was having to attend classes in person. ‘You just have to actually go in person,’ he said, highlighting the academic rigor at Notre Dame, which doesn’t offer asynchronous online classes like Texas or Ohio State. This raises a thought-provoking question: Are online courses a convenient tool for balancing sports and academics, or do they dilute the educational experience for student-athletes?
The rise of online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic transformed higher education, with many universities now offering in-person, online, and hybrid options. However, Sarkisian is clear: for the Texas Longhorns, accountability starts in the classroom. With national championship aspirations for the 2026 season, he believes that success on the field begins with discipline off of it. But to achieve that goal, the Longhorns will have to overcome Ohio State, whom they host on September 12, aiming to avenge last season’s loss in Columbus.
Here’s the controversial question for you: Is Sarkisian’s emphasis on in-person classes a fair critique of programs like Ohio State’s, or is he overlooking the flexibility online learning provides for student-athletes? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
