Controversial Jake Ehlinger fan sign heats things up for CFB Fans as Texas takes on Texas A&M

The Texas Longhorns will face rivals Texas A&M Aggies in a crucial game this weekend. This is the first time the two teams have met in 13 years, and the stakes could not be higher. The winner of the game will advance to the SEC Championship game.

With a game this big, it is no surprise that College Game Day hosted the show from the A&M campus. As usual, fans bring a selection of humorous signs that are usually used to insult their rivals.

However, there is one sign that may have gone too far.

Here is how some fans reacted to this sign on X (formerly Twitter).

" This is clearly doctored. Zoom in. These longhorns are tryna be victims. Probably a longhorn made it for rage bait. Just like Abraham Lincoln said, “don’t believe everything you see on the internet.” said a fan who thought the sign was fake.

A couple of fans also felt the same as the former.

"Been watching all morning and I haven’t seen this sign…" said this fan.

"Is this real?" said another fan.

On the other hand, some fans shared condolences with the Ehlinger family.

"Praying for the Ehlinger family… they shouldn’t have to see this nasty work." said one fan.

"We don’t condone this brother. We are with the Ehlinger family. It’s just a game at the end of the day❤️" said another.

What happened to Jake Ehlinger and why is this sign controversial?

The sign refers to coach Steve Sarkisian and Jake Ehlinger, the brother of former Longhorns quarterback Sam Ehlinger.

Steve Sarkisian has a well-documented history of alcoholism, which is something he brings up with his players to help him be honest with them.

However, after losing his job at USC due to his issues, Sarkisian checked himself into rehab and got better. He is now sober and leading one of the best teams in College Football.

The story of Jake Ehlinger is a lot more unfortunate. Jake was Sam's younger brother and a linebacker for the Longhorns, but he did not play a game for the team.

In May 2021, Jake Ehlinger was found dead in an apartment in Austin. A later investigation found that Jake had accidentally overdosed on Xanax laced with Fentanyl, a substance that is more potent than heroin.

His death was an unfortunate event that united the Longhorns and their fans behind the Ehlinger family.

To suggest that Jake could have joined Sarkisian in rehab is deeply offensive, considering what happened to him.

The sign, if confirmed, will only annoy the Longhorns fanbase ahead of what will be a crucial game for both teams.