5 Surprising Facts About Loreal Sarkisian: The 'First Lady Of Texas Football' And Steve Sarkisian's Current Wife

The relationship between a high-profile college football coach and his spouse often captures the public imagination, and few couples have been under a brighter spotlight than Steve and Loreal Sarkisian. As of late 2025, the couple has not only navigated the intense pressure of leading the Texas Longhorns football program but also undergone significant, deeply personal changes, including a brief, highly publicized marital challenge followed by a joyful, fresh start with a new addition to their family. This article dives into the unique life of Loreal Sarkisian, the woman affectionately known as the 'First Lady of Texas Football,' and provides the most current details about her life with the Longhorns' head coach.

The biggest and most recent update in the Sarkisian family came in April 2025, with the announcement that Steve and Loreal had welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Amayas. This wonderful news confirmed the strength of their bond, coming after a period in the summer of 2024 when the couple had briefly filed for divorce. Their reunion and the birth of their son serve as a powerful testament to their commitment, making their story one of the most compelling narratives in college sports today and providing a fresh, positive focus for the 2025 season.

Steve Sarkisian: A Brief Biography and Coaching Profile

Steve Sarkisian is one of the most recognizable and successful figures in American college football, currently serving as the head coach for the University of Texas Longhorns. His career has been marked by significant highs and lows, leading him to his current prominent position in Austin.

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• Full Name: Steven Sarkisian
• Date of Birth: March 8, 1974
• Age (as of late 2025): 51
• Hometown: Torrance, California, U.S.
• Education: Brigham Young University (BYU)
• Current Role: Head Football Coach, University of Texas Longhorns (since 2021)
• Previous Coaching Roles: Offensive Coordinator for the Alabama Crimson Tide (2019-2020), Head Coach at USC (2014-2015) and Washington (2009-2013).
• First Marriage: Stephanie Sarkisian (married 1997, divorced 2015).
• Children: Ashley, Taylor, and Brady (from first marriage); Amayas (with Loreal Sarkisian).

Loreal Sarkisian: More Than Just a Coach's Wife

Loreal Sarkisian, née Smith, has carved out a distinct and impactful identity far beyond her role as the wife of the Texas Longhorns head coach. Born on October 12, 1985, in Tallahassee, Florida, Loreal is a former competitive athlete who transitioned her passion for sports and style into a successful career and a highly visible philanthropic platform.

Longhorn fans and media have affectionately bestowed upon her the title of "First Lady of Texas Football." This moniker is well-earned, as she has become a significant public figure in Austin, known for her impeccable fashion sense and her dedication to charitable causes. Her presence has added a layer of Hollywood glamour and style to the often-staid world of college sports.

The Surprising Career of a Wardrobe Stylist

One of the most surprising facts about Loreal Sarkisian is her professional career as a highly sought-after wardrobe stylist. Her expertise in fashion is not just a hobby; it is a serious profession that has seen her work with numerous high-profile clients.

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Loreal's background in style gives her a unique perspective, and she often uses her platform to showcase her fashion choices, which are frequently highlighted by sports and lifestyle media. Her glamorous looks at games and events often turn heads, solidifying her status as a style icon within the college football community. This blend of sports world proximity and high-fashion sensibility makes her a truly unique figure among coaches' wives.

From Track Star to 'First Lady'

Before stepping into the world of fashion and philanthropy, Loreal Sarkisian was a dedicated athlete. She grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and was a competitive track star throughout her youth and college career.

Loreal competed at North Carolina A&T. Her involvement in the sports world extended beyond her playing days, as she also served on the coaching staffs at major universities, including Florida and USC. This history provides her with an intimate understanding of the demanding, high-pressure environment that her husband, Steve Sarkisian, navigates daily, offering a foundation of shared experience in their marriage.

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The Journey to Amayas: Navigating Ups and Downs

Steve and Loreal Sarkisian’s relationship began when Steve was the offensive coordinator for Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide. They married in 2020 and soon after relocated to Austin when Steve accepted the head coaching job for the Texas Longhorns in 2021.

Their marriage, like any, has had its challenges. In the summer of 2024, the couple announced they were planning to divorce after four years of marriage. This news sent shockwaves through the college football world, given their high-profile status in Austin.

However, the couple appeared to reconcile, and the speculation of a reunion was definitively confirmed with the joyous announcement of the birth of their son, Amayas, in April 2025. Loreal shared her journey as a new mom, and the couple celebrated this major life change during the college football offseason. Amayas is the fourth child for Steve Sarkisian, joining his three children—Ashley, Taylor, and Brady—from his first marriage to Stephanie Sarkisian.

Loreal's Perspective on Marriage and Coaching Life

Loreal has been open about the difficulties of being married to a high-level football coach. The demanding schedules, constant travel, and intense public scrutiny that come with the job as the head coach of a program like the Texas Longhorns can be a significant strain on a relationship.

Despite the challenges, Loreal has consistently shown herself to be a pillar of strength and support for her husband. She has embraced her role in the Texas football community, utilizing her visibility to promote various philanthropic endeavors and becoming a beloved figure among the Longhorn faithful. Her resilience and dedication to her family and her own career are a testament to her strong character.

The Impact of the 'First Lady' on Texas Football Culture

Loreal Sarkisian's influence extends beyond the personal life of the head coach; she has actively shaped the culture and public image of the Texas Longhorns program. She is often seen at games, events, and community functions, always representing the university with style and grace.

• Philanthropy: She is a dedicated philanthropist, often using her platform to raise awareness and funds for various causes, further endearing her to the Austin community.
• Fashion Influence: Her unique style has made her a media darling, bringing a different kind of attention to the Longhorns program—one focused on elegance and celebrity.
• Community Engagement: She is highly engaged with the Longhorns' wives and families, fostering a supportive and unified environment behind the scenes, which is crucial for a successful program.

The Sarkisians' story—marked by professional achievement, personal adversity, and the ultimate joy of a new baby in 2025—makes them one of the most talked-about couples in college sports. Loreal Sarkisian is not just a supportive spouse; she is a powerful, independent entity who brings her own unique brand of style, athleticism, and dedication to the University of Texas, truly embodying the title of the 'First Lady of Texas Football'.