Texas defensive end Brecklyn Hager talks with reporters Tuesday during Big 12 Media Days. Hager says he refuses to cut his hair until the Longhorns win a Big 12 championship. [AP PHOTO]

FRISCO, TEXAS — Breckyn Hager got to Austin three years ago and made a vow. The Longhorns are deep in the heart of this Texan, but UT hadn't won a Big 12 football title since 2009. Hager made a promise — he wouldn't cut his hair until Texas was back as conference king.

Which explains why Texas' defensive end today looks like Darryl Hannah as the mermaid in “Splash.” Only not as good. Long, flowing blond locks that in the front reach the bottom of Hager's sternum. That Big 12 championship remains not so elusive as far away.

Since Hager arrived, Texas' conference record the last three years is 5-4, 3-6 and 4-5, respectively, finishing three, six and four games behind league champion Oklahoma. And despite optimistic talk from the Longhorns, 2018 doesn't figure to be a title season, either.

OU in 2017 had four All-Americans and came within a whisker of the national championship game. During Big 12 Media Days on Tuesday, second-year Texas coach Tom Herman was asked how much elite talent he has to try to match that standard set by the Sooners.