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PROVO - As the University of Texas head coach and leader of the seventh-ranked college football team, Steve Sarkisian's accomplishments on the field are well-known. With an impressive career record of 65-48 and a 19-13 mark with the Longhorns, Sarkisian has made a name for himself in the coaching world. However, beneath his Texas persona lies a deep connection to his alma mater, Brigham Young University (BYU).

In the mid-90s, Sarkisian, known affectionately as "Sark," was a standout quarterback at El Camino College. He visited BYU on a recruiting trip, hosted by his now-rival, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. While Sitake doesn't claim credit for recruiting Sarkisian, he acknowledges that the style of football and legendary program led by the late LaVell Edwards spoke for itself. Sarkisian went on to become an All-American and a Sammy Baugh Trophy winner, setting impressive records during his two seasons at BYU.

Though their paths diverged in the coaching world, Sarkisian and Sitake have maintained a strong connection. Sitake describes Sarkisian as never being too big to answer a phone call or reach out. The Texas coach's constant initiative to stay in touch with people has fostered numerous conversations. In fact, Sarkisian has been a vocal supporter of BYU joining the Big 12 conference, long before the official agreement between the two sides was reached.

As Sarkisian prepares to face his alma mater on Saturday, the bond with BYU and its coaching staff remains intact. He speaks highly of his former teammates and the coaches he knows well, such as Kalani Sitake and offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick, who was a receiver during Sarkisian's time at BYU. Sarkisian acknowledges their expertise, schemes, and the dedication of the veteran BYU football team.

Even as he leads the Longhorns, Sarkisian has never forgotten his Cougar roots. Long before his current role, Sarkisian demonstrated his loyalty and admiration for BYU, making him one of the more vocal supporters of the team's inclusion in the Big 12. The upcoming game will be a significant moment for Sarkisian, as it marks his only meeting with his alma mater while both teams are in the same conference. Historically, Texas has struggled against BYU, with just one win in their five previous encounters. Moreover, Sarkisian himself lost against BYU when he was a California JUCO transfer.

The Longhorns enter the game as 20.5-point favorites, but the outcome remains uncertain with Texas relying on a backup quarterback due to an injury to Quinn Ewers. However, Sarkisian is prepared to match wits with BYU's defense, now led by first-year defensive coordinator Jay Hill. He acknowledges the aggressive style of the BYU defense and the confidence they possess in their players and schemes.

Saturday's matchup is set to be a showdown between two respected coaches with a shared history. Sarkisian's deep connection to BYU, nurtured over the years, adds an extra layer of significance to the game. Regardless of the outcome, Sarkisian's BYU roots and the memories of his time there will continue to shape his coaching journey.