Texas defensive coach Johnny Nansen was arrested Wednesday night on a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated charge following a three-vehicle collision in Austin, adding fresh turmoil to the nation’s top-ranked college football program.
Austin police responded to the wreck around 9 p.m. and identified Nansen as one of the drivers involved. Officers reported observing multiple signs of impairment during standard field sobriety testing conducted at the scene.
Nansen is 52 years old and serves as both an inside linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator for the Longhorns. He joined the Texas coaching staff in 2024.
Police have not disclosed whether Nansen submitted to a breathalyzer test or whether he was determined to be at fault in the crash.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed Thursday that Nansen did not attend practice and that his availability for Saturday night’s home matchup against UTSA remains uncertain. Sarkisian addressed the situation briefly but offered few additional details.
“We’re obviously disappointed” Sarkisian told reporters “but that’s all I really have on it at this time.”
The arrest comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Texas which recently climbed to the top spot in the national rankings after a dramatic 24-23 comeback victory over Ohio State. That win elevated the Longhorns from No. 4 to No. 1 but has since been overshadowed by off-field controversies.
Star quarterback Arch Manning drew widespread criticism after publicly engaging with an AI-generated video that depicted Sarkisian striking ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe. Manning later issued a public apology. The fake video emerged following a brief and visibly tense on-field exchange between Sarkisian and Rowe immediately after the Ohio State game.
Nansen’s arrest now represents another unwanted distraction for a program under intense national scrutiny. The Longhorns are preparing for what should be a straightforward home contest against UTSA but must now navigate questions about their coaching staff’s status heading into the game.
The DWI charge is classified as a misdemeanor under Texas law. No additional charges have been reported in connection with the crash and no information has been released regarding injuries to any of the drivers involved in the three-vehicle collision.
The university has not issued a formal statement regarding the potential disciplinary consequences Nansen may face from the program. Sarkisian indicated the situation is still being assessed as the team prepares for game day.