Steve Sarkisian, the head football coach of the Texas Longhorns, is married to Loreal Sarkisian, a former collegiate track athlete, coach and professional fashion stylist. Their relationship has attracted considerable attention, not only because of Steve’s high-profile coaching career but also because of Loreal’s distinctive personal style and growing influence beyond college football.
The couple married in 2020, briefly announced plans to divorce in July 2024 and later reconciled. They welcomed their first child together, a son named Amays Sarkisian, in 2025.
Loreal is often called the “First Lady of Texas Football” by supporters, a nickname that reflects her visibility at Longhorns games.
Here is what is known about her career, marriage, children and relationship with the Texas coach.
Who Is Loreal Sarkisian?
Loreal Sarkisian, née Smith, is an American fashion stylist, entrepreneur and former track-and-field athlete.
She has developed a public identity that extends well beyond her marriage to Steve Sarkisian.
Known for her carefully coordinated outfits, Loreal regularly attracts attention when attending Texas football games.
Her appearance on the sidelines has made her a recognisable figure among Longhorns supporters and college football fans.
However, her professional background began in athletics rather than fashion.
Before establishing herself as a stylist, she competed in collegiate track and field and later worked as a coach.
That combination of sporting experience and fashion expertise has helped distinguish her from many other prominent figures associated with college football.
Her Athletic Background
Loreal competed in track and field at North Carolina A&T State University, where she specialised in hurdling.
She developed into a competitive collegiate athlete and qualified for NCAA championship competition.
Her involvement in athletics continued after her competitive career.
Loreal worked as an assistant track coach at the University of Florida and the University of Southern California.
Those roles gave her experience in collegiate sports long before she became associated with the Texas football program.
Her background also means she understands the pressures facing student-athletes and coaching staff.
Although she eventually pursued a different professional direction, athletics remains an important part of her personal story.
Her Fashion Career
Loreal operates a fashion styling and wardrobe consulting business associated with the name Walk-on-Wardrobe.
Her work focuses on personal styling, wardrobe development and helping clients create looks suited to their individual preferences.
She has attended major fashion events, including New York Fashion Week.
Her social media presence frequently features designer clothing, accessories and coordinated outfits.
During Texas football games, Loreal’s wardrobe choices often generate as much online discussion as other celebrity appearances at sporting events.
Her style combines luxury fashion with school colours and game-day themes.
Rather than relying solely on her husband’s public profile, she has developed a separate audience interested in fashion and lifestyle content.
When Did They Marry?
Steve Sarkisian and Loreal Smith married in 2020, when Steve was serving as offensive coordinator for the Alabama Crimson Tide.
At the time, he was working under head coach Nick Saban and rebuilding his coaching career.
The marriage came before Steve accepted the Texas Longhorns head coaching position in January 2021.
Loreal subsequently became a familiar presence around the Texas football program.
She attended games, supported team activities and developed connections with the Longhorns community.
Their relationship became increasingly visible as Steve guided Texas through several important seasons.
Did They File for Divorce?
In July 2024, Steve and Loreal Sarkisian publicly announced their decision to file for divorce.
The couple described the decision as amicable and referred to the demands of their respective careers.
Their announcement surprised many college football fans because Loreal had become such a prominent supporter of the Texas program.
However, the separation did not become the final chapter of their relationship.
Steve and Loreal later reconciled, with subsequent public appearances indicating that they had resumed their relationship.
Their reconciliation attracted renewed attention when they announced that they were expecting a child together.
The couple have generally avoided discussing every private detail surrounding that period.
Welcoming Baby Amays
Steve and Loreal Sarkisian welcomed their son, Amays Sarkisian, in 2025.
The birth marked the couple’s first child together.
Loreal later shared details about the difficulties surrounding her pregnancy and delivery, including an emergency Caesarean section.
Her account drew attention from supporters who had followed the couple’s reconciliation.
The arrival of Amays was a significant family milestone during Steve’s tenure as Texas head coach.
It also expanded the Sarkisian family, as Steve already had three children from his previous marriage.
Loreal’s public reflections on motherhood offered followers a more personal perspective on her life beyond fashion and football.
Steve’s First Marriage
Before marrying Loreal, Steve Sarkisian was married to Stephanie Sarkisian.
They married in 1993 and had three children together: Taylor, Ashley and Brady.
Their marriage ended in divorce in 2016.
Stephanie has largely maintained a private life away from the publicity surrounding Steve’s coaching career.
Their children have occasionally attracted attention, particularly Brady because of his involvement in football.
Steve’s marriage to Loreal therefore created a blended family that now includes four children.
Who Is Brady Sarkisian?
Brady Sarkisian is Steve’s son from his first marriage and has been involved with the Texas Longhorns football program.
He joined the team as a walk-on linebacker, creating a family connection between the coaching staff and the playing roster.
His participation attracted interest because his father was already one of college football’s prominent head coaches.
Unlike Steve, whose professional responsibilities involve leading the entire program, Brady has pursued his own experience as a college athlete.
His involvement in football also reflects the family’s longstanding connection to the sport.
Supporting Steve’s Career
Loreal has frequently been seen supporting Steve during major Texas football events.
Her presence became particularly noticeable as the Longhorns returned to national championship contention.
Steve’s coaching career has included positions at Washington, USC, Alabama and Texas.
He also previously worked in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons.
Loreal’s own experience as a former collegiate athlete and coach gives her a perspective on the demands of competitive sports.
She has spoken publicly about personal challenges and professional setbacks, offering glimpses of how the couple have navigated difficult periods.
Despite their visibility, both maintain separate professional responsibilities.
Marriage and Family in 2026
As of October 2026, Loreal Sarkisian remains publicly identified as Steve Sarkisian’s wife, following their reconciliation after the 2024 divorce announcement.
Their son Amays, born in 2025, is the youngest member of Steve’s family.
Loreal continues to be recognised for her fashion career, athletic background and connection to the Texas football community.
Her public profile reflects more than her husband’s position on the sidelines.
She has built a career around styling while also experiencing the demands of college athletics firsthand.
For readers searching for Steve Sarkisian’s wife, Loreal Sarkisian is his spouse, a former track coach, fashion entrepreneur and mother of their son Amays.
