Before Clark Lea could bring ninth-ranked Vanderbilt to Austin to fight Texas for a potential seat at the College Football Playoff table, he needed to initiate a reckoning.
That’s his word for what took place in Nashville following the 2023 season. Lea entered that offseason with a 9-27 record leading the Commodores. After the 2022 campaign, he lost eight transfers to power conference schools, including his best offensive lineman, Tyler Steen. In the next cycle, five more Commodores left for power conference peers. Included in that group was running back Ray Davis, who bolted for Kentucky. Lea considered him Vanderbilt’s best player.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns punter Jack Bouwmeester (19) celebrates winning the Red River Rivalry with the Golden Hat after Texas beat Oklahoma 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns place kicker Will Stone (15) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Jelani McDonald (4) celebrates the Texas Longhorns’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates after winning the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian and Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrate after winning the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Jonah Williams (9) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) celebrates with the Golden Hat after the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win with the Golden Hat after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) embraces defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) as they celebrates Texas’ Red River Rivalry win after the Longhorns beat the Oklahoma Sooners 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) hands the ball off to Texas Longhorns running back James Simon (31) in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (0) catches a pass in the end zone to score the first touchdown of the game in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbot hands Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) The Governor’s Cup Trophy after Texas beat Oklahoma 23-6 in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) carries the ball for a first down in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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The Texas defense bring down Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Ryan Niblett (21) returns the ball off a punt for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) throws a pass in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) goes to tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) taunts Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas fans cheer for their team in the first half of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) carries the ball out of trouble as Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Owen Heinecke (38) and defensive back Gentry Williams (9) chase in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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The Oklahoma defense sack Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas fans cheer for their team in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas scores the extra point in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) catches a snap in the third quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) brings Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Keontez Lewis (9) down out of the air as he catches the ball in the first quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian gets off the bus ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) arrives at the stadium for the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas fan Bill Melot, from Austin, enjoys a turkey leg ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas fans Heather and Garrison Ray, from Jarrell, enjoy a ride at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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A young Texas fan hoists a large prize while exploring the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Fan Avery, 6, slides down the giant slide at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball under pressure from Oklahoma defense in the second quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) carries the ball after making an interception for Texas in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) celebrates after making an interception for Texas in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Renee Richmond rides the log flume ride with Eve and Sarah Mills at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas fans David, Briana and Brian Morales, from Corpus Christi, play the ring toss at the Texas State Fair ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns wide receiver Parker Livingstone (13) celebrates as the game draws to a close in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas mascot Bevo walks across the Cotton Bowl to his pen ahead of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Liona Lefau (18) wears a lei to celebrate winning the Red River Rivalry, beating Oklahoma 23-6 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Xavier Filsaime (17) argues with Oklahoma players during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Isaiah Sategna III (5) drops a pass in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is sacked in the fourth quarter of the Red River Rivalry, as the Sooners play the Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Oct. 11, 2025.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) intercepts a pass during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) talks to his team during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive back Ryan Niblett (21) returns a kick during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) celebrates a sack during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) celebrates a sack during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) sacks Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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The Texas Longhorns take the field ahead of the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners running back Tory Blaylock (6) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Hero Kanu (93) celebrates a tackle for a loss during the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners running back Xavier Robinson (24) is tackled by Texas Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe (16) during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is pressured during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is pressured by Texas Longhorns linebacker Colin Simmons (1) during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) is sacked during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) runs the ball during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners place kicker Tate Sandell (29) kicks a field goal during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Oklahoma Sooners tight end Jaren Kanak (12) is tackled during the Red River Rivalry between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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Texas Longhorns linebacker Lance Jackson (40) and Texas Longhorns linebacker Brad Spence (14) tackle Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) on 4th down at the end of the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday Oct. 11, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
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In that time frame, Vandy made just 10 total transfer additions.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, left, talks to an official during the first half Oct. 25, 2025 against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss.
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“We did not really have a plan to participate in the transfer portal or in NIL in really what amounted to the first three seasons I was here,” Lea said Wednesday. “… So we kind of had a reckoning there in the winter of ‘23 to say, ‘Hey, we have to get busy raising some kind of money for this program’ or else we weren’t going to have a program.”
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A batch of 22 transfers that winter included Diego Pavia, a transformational quarterback with a personality as big as his impact. Pavia led Vanderbilt to its first bowl game in six years. Now, supported by another crop of 20 transfer additions, Pavia is contending for the Heisman Trophy and the Commodores (7-1, 3-1 SEC) can realistically aim to crack the SEC championship game for the first time since it was introduced in 1992.
NO. 20 TEXAS VS. NO. 9 VANDERBILT
When/where: 11 a.m. Saturday at Royal-Memorial Stadium.
TV/radio: SEC; 1300 AM, 98.1 FM, 105.3 FM (Spanish)
MANNING LATEST: Texas football QB back at practice alongside Michael Taaffe
Texas and Vanderbilt show two methods of roster building
Lea fought for years for the right to partake in college football’s annual transfer frenzy, even sidestepping enrollment barriers presented by Vanderbilt’s academic model. At Texas, Steve Sarkisian would prefer to limit his reliance on it.
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“There’s a lot of ways to skin a cat when it comes to building a roster,” Sarkisian said Monday. “I just still believe in developing players in your program. I still believe in recruiting high-level high school kids. And we can here at the University of Texas. We’re very fortunate.”
The transfer portal has evolved to become an arena inhabited primarily by the sport’s disruptors — and there are plenty of them these days. No. 2 Indiana has snagged 54 players out of the portal in the last two cycles. No. 7 Ole Miss has signed 56. No. 8 Georgia Tech has brought in 40 while No. 9 Vanderbilt has acquired 42.
The college football establishment — the schools that traditionally hold a capacity to recruit top-tier high school talent — has aligned itself more closely with Sarkisian’s point of view. Texas has added 23 transfers in the last two cycles. Ohio State has brought in 18. Notre Dame has signed 17.
There are nine schools in this week’s Associated Press Top 25 poll that spent 100 or fewer weeks ranked from 2000 through 2020. Seven of them start transfers at quarterback. They, on average, folded in about 37 transfers each from the portal over the last two offseasons. For the other, more established schools, the average two-year portal haul sits at 29 players.
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Why Steve Sarkisian doesn’t want to build Texas football on transfers
Sarkisian said he depends on his team’s culture, and the fear of eroding his program’s values prevents him from showcasing increased transfer portal aggression.
MORE: Why Texas football recruited unconventional Arch Manning backup
“We do portal recruit, but I just think it’s really hard to recreate our culture every year when you’re bringing in 30 new faces from other schools who have learned a certain way,” Sarkisian said. “I can bring in five to 10 every year, and I can get them assimilated to our culture because it’s so strong. But the moment you start going higher than that, whose culture is it? Are you getting some other school’s culture or is it ours?”
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Texas’ ability to recruit elite high school talent gives Sarkisian the luxury of making that choice. He hasn’t signed a class that ranked below sixth nationally on the 247Sports composite ratings since 2021. Vanderbilt, by comparison, has signed exactly one top-30 class in the last 15 years. That came in 2013, when James Franklin brought the Commodores up to the dizzy heights of 26th in the 247Sports rankings.
The portal gave the Commodores a way to find new landing spots for players they retained or recruited who “weren’t meant for the mission,” as Lea put it.
Now, as Vanderbilt splashes the cash to build a winning roster, Lea said it relies on a culture it established during three bad seasons, when metaphorical currency was the only kind of coin available.
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“In the first few years here, our transaction was human connection,” Lea said. “I mean, we were really spending time on depth of relationship, calling guys into a level of sacrifice for one another.
“Once we started to participate in the transfer process, we never lost our soul. That’s remained kind of the focal point of the program. It’s not the money. It’s not the wins. It’s actually the care for one another.”