# Sarkisian's five-word ESPN exit after a 24-23 stunner

> Texas erased a 20-point hole against Ohio State, and the internet spent the night arguing about how their coach handled a sideline mic.
- Title: Sarkisian's five-word ESPN exit after a 24-23 stunner
- Summary: Texas erased a 20-point hole against Ohio State, and the internet spent the night arguing about how their coach handled a sideline mic. Sarkisian never…
- Keywords: college football, texas longhorns, ohio state, espn, sideline reporters, news, politics, Sarkisian's, five-word, exit, 24-23, stunner
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/texas-coach-steve-sarkisian-awkward-espn-interview-divides-internet-during-team-win-over-ohio-state
- Author: Ryan Gaydos
- Published: 2026-09-13T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: college football, texas longhorns, ohio state, espn, sideline reporters, news, politics
## A 20-point hole in Austin
Texas trailed Ohio State 23-3 in the third quarter on Saturday night. Steve Sarkisian's team then climbed all the way back to win 24-23.
## The tunnel jog
Down 20-3 near halftime, ESPN cameras caught Sarkisian running up the tunnel while sideline reporter Laura Rutledge tried to catch him for the break interview.
## ESPN apologized, not the coach
Rutledge went on air to explain that the network's technical problems kept Sarkisian waiting, and that he apologized to them first.

> He had waited a long time, been very patient with some technical issues that we had.
## Five words and gone
After the comeback, Holly Rowe got the postgame hit. Sarkisian gave her a single line and headed straight for the locker room.

> Texas fight, hook 'em.
## The internet picked sides
Some read the quick exit as disrespect to the broadcast crew. Others saw a coach who had already been left hanging once that night.
## Who actually won the game
Arch Manning threw for 195 yards and a touchdown. Hollywood Smothers rushed for 74 yards and punched in two scores. Ohio State's Julian Sayin threw for 278 with a pick.
## Key takeaway

Sarkisian never snubbed anyone. ESPN's own technical problems ate the halftime window, and the reporter apologized to him on air.