KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the Texas vs. Tennessee college football game on Saturday, which may lead to increased traffic and longer security lines for fans. Coaches have expressed concerns that Trump's presence could disrupt communication on the field. Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian noted that teams might lose communication on their headsets whenever Trump enters or exits the stadium or changes locations within it. This communication loss could impact coaches' ability to relay plays to players during the game.
The matchup features the No. 1 Longhorns and No. 14 Volunteers, making it one of the most significant games of the weekend. Trump will be observing Texas quarterback Arch Manning play for the first time in the stadium where his uncle, Peyton Manning, gained prominence.
Sarkisian explained that teams must prepare for potential communication disruptions, stating, "They cut the headsets to coaches. They cut headsets for coach-to-player communication. So you have to have a plan for that, if and when it happens, and you get no warning. It just gets cut out." He emphasized the need for a contingency plan if Trump arrives during critical moments of the game.
Trump has attended more college football games than any recent sitting president, including national championship games and regular-season contests in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His attendance comes amid a midterm election season and ongoing discussions in Congress regarding the influence of money in college sports.
In previous games, such as last season’s College Football Playoff championship, coaches reported that Trump's movements affected their communication. Indiana coach Curt Signetti noted that communication was briefly interrupted during a key moment in the fourth quarter when Trump left the game. However, the White House stated that Trump's departure did not cause any issues for the teams involved.
For Saturday's noon kickoff, University of Tennessee officials have advised fans to arrive earlier than usual due to expected delays. Gates will open 30 minutes earlier than normal, and fans should anticipate enhanced screening by the Secret Service, which may result in increased wait times. A Texas spokesman indicated that the Longhorns team had not been instructed to alter its usual arrival time before the game. Additionally, fans arriving early will receive half-price concessions during the first hour after gates open.