Texas AD Gives Religious Reason Behind Ohio State Scheduling Controversy After Addressing $40M Steve Sarkisian Rumor

Ohio State fans are already unhappy that their most-awaited game, against Texas, is going to be a Saturday 12 noon kickoff. New intel, however, now reveals that there was a chance the situation could’ve been remedied. But Texas AD Chris Del Conte did not let the Buckeyes fans get some respite when he had full leverage to do so. He has a special reason for denying the fans their very passionate wish, which can put some of them in a bad mood. Because it would be a no-brainer to go back to CFB traditions when presented with the option, right? Del Conte says, ‘No, thank you.’

Front Office Sports reported that FOX attempted to douse some of the fire it caused by approaching Texas for a change in timings. Because, let’s face it, the ideal way to make the most of this year’s OSU-Texas game is to sit back, dim the lights, get some game snacks set, and watch the high-octane game play out on the TV. Instead, that game will begin at noon. This rematch is by no means similar to its 2024 version. The stakes are much higher, and the odds have changed. It’s a game meant to be played under the floodlights and become a spectacle. FOX confirmed to Front Office Sports that Texas had rejected the offer.

Now that FOX has cleared some of its name by attempting to right its wrongs, the fire has now spread to Texas for its refusal. Del Conte said in the SEC meetings, “Why would I want to move the game to Sunday night and have a short week?” His reason: “I’ve got to go to church.”

The AD thought there was a lot of hyperbole around the news. “It was just, ‘Hey do you want to move the day?’ And I go, ‘We’re not moving. We’re contractually obligated to this day.’ That was it,” he said in clarification. Del Conte was just jesting, but here’s how the rest of his week looks if the OSU-Texas matchup is moved to Sunday night. The Longhorns will play San Jose State next on the road. The revised timing would give Sarkisian only 5 days to prepare for a game they’re expected to win.

Chris Del Conte said they were reached out to about moving the game at Ohio State. “Why would I want to move the game to Sunday night and have a short week?” He said he said no to Sunday game. “I’ve got to go to church.”

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) May 28, 2025

The last time OSU faced Texas was in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff in 2024. It was the roadblock that once again derailed Steve Sarkisian’s campaign for the National Championship, just like in 2023. Now that the order of the schedule is reversed, Texas’ last played team in 2024 becomes their season opener in 2025. Now, the odds have changed. OSU will be playing as National Championship Defenders, and Sarkisian will once again be attempting his run-up to the endgame with a star QB in his arsenal. Does Arch Manning making his debut as Longhorns QB1 at noon do justice to his hype?

This Texas Longhorns team is charged up. Steve Sarkisian is approaching the season as a back-to-back playoff berth winner. With the way his team is looking in 2025, you won’t be far off if you claim Sarkisian will be successful in making that a hat-trick feat. But his rather polished-looking team is also sparking some rumors about another key aspect.

Chris Del Conte denounces rumors about Texas roster costing $40 million

It isn’t unnatural to think that Texas’ pockets must be deep to be able to spotlight so many quality players. But Del Conte says that is not the case. He also shut down a report that claims the Texas 2025 roster is worth $40 million in NIL. “That’s crazy. That’s bananas,” he said. Del Conte added further, “You combined a number that was not even accurate.” The AD mentioned that Texas laws prevent him from knowing how much players are earning by way of NIL deals. “If you put it in an ecosystem of two years, that could possibly be it,” Del Conte said ambitiously.

Texas currently hosts the NCAA’s richest player: Arch Manning. Earning roughly $6 million per year, he is set to earn even more if he plays well this season. More brands will come flocking to him, which means the program’s NIL value will rise higher. When the NCAA vs. House settlement wraps up, Del Conte will be separating 75% of the funds for football. And with a possibly more upgraded roster in the future, Texas can look to work with funds in those figures.

Steve Sarkisian himself was quashing chatter of his roster being valued at $40 million. “[It] was a little bit of irresponsible reporting,” Sarkisian told College Sports on SiriusXM. “It was one anonymous source saying that that’s what our roster was. I wish I had $40 million on our roster. We’d probably be a little bit better team than we are,” he joked. He affirmed, however, that college football has become a money-heavy sport. Programs are willing to spend that sum to have the best possible rosters.

Texas will once again enter the 2025 season as a national championship-contending team. Though not worth $40 million, Steve Sarkisian and the guys look ready enough to make a run for the final prize. Even if it comes at the cost of upsetting OSU fans with a noon-game kickoff, Chris Del Conte and Sarkisian are willing to risk it all.

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