Why Stephen A. Smith says Steve Sarkisian’s Ole Miss comments crossed the line

Stephen A. Smith delivered a scathing rebuke of Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian during a May 2026 broadcast of ESPN's First Take. Smith labeled Sarkisian's controversial remarks about the University of Mississippi's academic standards as "classless," "totally wrong," and "a low damn blow". 

In an interview with USA Today Sports, Steve Sarkisian criticized the transfer portal's loose academic regulations. He compared Texas' strict credit-transfer rules to what he implied was a far more lenient approach at Ole Miss.

Sarkisian stated that the University of Texas only accepts 50% of an incoming transfer student's academic credit hours, forcing players backwards academically to earn a Texas degree.

Sarkisian remarked, "But at Ole Miss, they can take you. All you have to do is take basket weaving, and you can get an Ole Miss degree."

An Ole Miss spokesperson later told ESPN that Sarkisian's comments were taken out of context regarding recruiting tampering. Sarkisian was attempting to emphasize Texas' commitment to rigorous academics.

Stephen A. Smith's response

Smith devoted a three-minute segment on First Take to dismantle Sarkisian's comments, arguing that an SEC coach should never publicly diminish a peer institution.

Smith stated that using "basket weaving" as a shorthand for Ole Miss' degree value diminishes the hard work of thousands of students and alumni trying to prosper.

Smith noted the irony of the statement, pointing out that Ole Miss reached the College Football Playoff while Texas missed it.

Smith claimed Ole Miss currently boasts the superior quarterback in Trinidad Chambliss, whereas Texas is still waiting on the development of Arch Manning.

Smith added that if Sarkisian or Texas officials issue a public apology, he plans to ignore it completely.

Smith was not alone in his criticism of the Longhorns' coach.

The veteran SEC commentator accused Sarkisian of "whining and complaining" despite earning a $12 million salary. Finebaum argued players choose Texas for NIL benefits, not superior academic prestige.

The national sports commentator also heavily confronted Sarkisian online, calling the jab "beneath" him.

Analysts highlighted how awkward the comment was considering Sarkisian currently coaches Arch Manning, whose famous grandfather, father, and uncle are prominent Ole Miss alumni.

The escalating verbal war has provided ultimate bulletin board material for the highly anticipated on-field matchup between Texas and Ole Miss on October 24.

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