Sarkisian's impact goes beyond mere statistics. He captained the 1948 Northwestern Wildcats, a team that defied expectations and pulled off a thrilling come-from-behind victory in the New Year's Day Classic. This triumph paved the way for their historic win at the 1949 Rose Bowl, the pinnacle of Northwestern's football program to date.

Sarkisian's individual accolades solidify his place in Northwestern lore. Earning All-Conference and First-Team All-America honors in 1948 cemented his reputation as an elite lineman. His leadership extended beyond the field, as he represented Northwestern in the College All-Star game against the defending NFL champions.

While professional football beckoned with draft selections from both the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, Sarkisian's career path remains unclear. Regardless of his professional aspirations, his influence on Northwestern football is undeniable. His enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998 stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and leadership, forever etching his name in Wildcat history.