Steve Sarkisian Sounds Confident Texas Football Can Keep This CFP Run Going | Golden
As college football continues to evolve, some programs emerge as perennial powerhouses, while others go through rebuilding phases, striving for their moment in the sun. One of the programs that has long been considered a prestigious football institution is the University of Texas. After years of fluctuating performances, head coach Steve Sarkisian appears poised to return the Longhorns to national prominence, having guided the team to a College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance in 2024. With this achievement, Sarkisian’s leadership and vision have sparked renewed hope and excitement in Austin, and he’s confident the Longhorns’ upward trajectory will continue well into the future.
The Texas Longhorns’ path to the 2024 College Football Playoff was an exhilarating ride, culminating in a season that showcased the program’s growing potential and explosive talent. Under Sarkisian’s leadership, Texas returned to the national stage, dominating key matchups against top-tier opponents. As they secured a spot in the CFP, questions naturally arose about whether this success would be sustainable. In an exclusive interview and public statements after the Longhorns’ playoff berth, Sarkisian sounded confident that Texas is not just a one-time contender but a program that can sustain and build upon its current success.
In this article, we will explore why Sarkisian’s confidence in Texas football’s future is well-founded, dissect the key factors behind Texas’ resurgence, and analyze what makes the Longhorns a serious contender to keep their College Football Playoff run going for the foreseeable future.
A Brief Overview of Sarkisian’s Leadership at Texas
When Steve Sarkisian took over as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 2021, the program was at a crossroads. Texas had been underperforming for several years, and the expectations for a return to glory were high, yet the results had often been lacking. The Longhorns needed a coach with the ability to rebuild the program, restore its culture, and tap into the immense talent pool that Texas is known for.
Sarkisian’s resume made him an ideal candidate for the job. As the former offensive coordinator at Alabama, Sarkisian had honed his craft under Nick Saban and was widely regarded as one of the best offensive minds in college football. His success at Alabama included developing an offense that could score in numerous ways, providing a template for how to integrate elite talent into a high-functioning offensive system.
At Texas, Sarkisian’s immediate impact was felt in the way he was able to recruit at a high level. Texas, one of the most influential programs in college football history, had the resources, the facilities, and the exposure needed to attract top-tier talent. Under Sarkisian, the Longhorns began to bring in a mix of high-caliber recruits and developed players who bought into his offensive and defensive schemes.
In his first season (2021), the Longhorns showed flashes of promise, but inconsistencies led to a disappointing 5-7 record. While that season ended in disappointment, Sarkisian was given time to build his program and refine his vision for Texas football. By 2024, it was clear that the foundation was set. Sarkisian’s system had taken hold, and Texas was poised to make a deep run into the College Football Playoff.
The 2024 Texas Longhorns: A Playoff-Bound Team
The 2024 season marked a significant milestone for the Longhorns, as they overcame hurdles from the past few years to qualify for the College Football Playoff. Texas’ run to the CFP was a testament to Sarkisian’s vision, coaching ability, and the raw talent on the roster. So, what was it about the 2024 season that made the Longhorns such a formidable playoff contender? Several factors contributed to their success:
1. Elite Quarterback Play
One of the most crucial components in any successful college football team is quarterback play, and Texas was fortunate to have an elite signal caller in Quinn Ewers. Ewers, who had transferred from Ohio State, had a dynamic skill set and high potential. Under Sarkisian’s guidance, Ewers showcased a level of play that was both poised and explosive. His ability to stretch the field with his arm while remaining calm under pressure made him one of the standout quarterbacks of the season.
Ewers’ leadership in key moments during the regular season allowed Texas to secure big wins. His poise, combined with his deep-ball accuracy, made the Longhorns offense lethal, and he demonstrated an ability to win in high-pressure situations. In fact, his success on the field helped Texas excel against some of the most daunting defenses in the nation, including Oklahoma, Kansas State, and other Big 12 powerhouses.
2. Sarkisian’s Offensive Scheme
Another key to Texas’ success in 2024 was Sarkisian’s innovative and versatile offensive system. Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy is built around an up-tempo, pass-first attack that takes advantage of mismatches. His offense is designed to create explosive plays, and it features multiple layers of complexity that challenge opposing defenses.
Texas’ offense became one of the most potent in the country, with several playmakers emerging in the running back, wide receiver, and tight end positions. Bijan Robinson, now playing in the NFL, left a big void, but Sarkisian was able to implement a running back committee that performed at a high level, helping maintain balance on offense. The wide receiving corps, led by Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, gave Ewers plenty of targets to work with, making it difficult for opposing defenses to key in on one particular player.
Sarkisian’s ability to develop talent at multiple positions also paid dividends. Texas had one of the most complete offensive units in the country in 2024, capable of playing a balanced attack or going pass-heavy, depending on the matchup. Whether it was pounding the ball on the ground or exploiting matchups in the passing game, Sarkisian’s offense kept defenses guessing, helping Texas reach new heights.
3. A Dominant Defense
While Texas has historically been known for its offensive firepower, the 2024 team showed that they could win in the trenches and shut down opposing offenses as well. Texas’ defense, under the leadership of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, was one of the most formidable in the nation. The Longhorns’ defensive front was stout, creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and disrupting opposing offenses’ rhythm.
The pass rush, led by Byron Murphy II and other key contributors, consistently disrupted the pocket, forcing turnovers and making key stops. The secondary, highlighted by Jerrin Thompson and D’Shawn Jamison, provided excellent coverage, which allowed the defensive front to be more aggressive and attack quarterbacks. Texas’ ability to play complementary football on both sides of the ball set them apart as one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.
4. Elite Recruiting Classes
Sarkisian’s success at Texas isn’t just about the players already on the roster; it’s about the foundation he’s building for the future. Texas has consistently recruited at an elite level, and the 2024 recruiting class was no exception. Sarkisian’s ability to recruit top-tier talent has positioned Texas to remain competitive for years to come. The Longhorns brought in several blue-chip players who will continue to develop into future stars.
Texas’ emphasis on recruiting high-caliber offensive linemen, defensive playmakers, and skill-position athletes means that the program will remain a contender for the long term. The commitment to securing top talent, combined with Sarkisian’s ability to develop that talent, ensures that Texas’ College Football Playoff appearances won’t be one-off events but will likely be a regular occurrence in the years to come.
5. Sarkisian’s Leadership and Vision
At the heart of Texas’ resurgence is Steve Sarkisian’s leadership. His calm demeanor, ability to develop talent, and focus on building a cohesive program have been vital in turning Texas around. Sarkisian is known for his offensive ingenuity, but he has also proven to be an effective motivator, strategist, and program builder.
Sarkisian’s vision for the program revolves around creating a winning culture where all aspects of the team—offense, defense, special teams, and recruiting—are aligned toward the goal of championship contention. His confidence in his system and his players has inspired belief in the Texas football program. That belief is contagious, not only among the players but within the Texas fanbase and athletic department, which is crucial for sustaining success.
Sarkisian’s Confidence: Why Texas Can Keep the CFP Run Going
Steve Sarkisian’s confidence that Texas football can keep its College Football Playoff run going is well-founded for several reasons. First, the program is on solid footing both in terms of talent and coaching. Sarkisian has cultivated an environment where players are held accountable and are given the resources and development necessary to succeed at the highest level.
Second, Sarkisian has proven that he can recruit and develop elite talent. His success in landing top-tier recruits and keeping them committed to the Texas program will ensure that the Longhorns remain competitive for years to come. With the rising talent in Austin and the influx of young stars ready to step up, Texas will continue to compete for conference championships and playoff berths.
Finally, the coaching staff surrounding Sarkisian is one of the most well-rounded in the country. From offensive coordinator A.J. Milwee to defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, Sarkisian has surrounded himself with experienced and talented coaches who complement his vision. The synergy among the coaching staff ensures that the Longhorns will remain prepared for whatever challenges come their way.