THE MISSION: The NFL Can Wait, Coach Sark is on a Mission to Win Championships at Texas After a Great Season
For Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns football program, the NFL can wait. After a remarkable season that saw his team take massive strides toward returning to national prominence, the focus has shifted. In 2025, the Texas Longhorns are not just looking to compete—they’re looking to win championships. Sarkisian’s resolve is clear: the road to success runs through Austin, Texas, and he is ready to lead the Longhorns to glory.
A New Era for Texas Football
When Steve Sarkisian took over as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 2021, the program was at a crossroads. Despite being one of the most historically successful programs in college football, Texas had experienced a period of mediocrity, failing to secure a Big 12 title in over a decade and struggling to consistently compete at the highest level. Many pundits wondered if Sarkisian, a former offensive coordinator at Alabama, could bring the Longhorns back to their former glory.
Fast forward to 2025, and the picture looks significantly different. Sarkisian has transformed the Longhorns into a powerhouse in college football once again. The team is no longer just a contender in the Big 12—Texas is now an elite program with its sights set on competing for national championships. After a strong 2024 season that saw Texas win the Big 12 title and make a deep run in the College Football Playoff (CFP), the stage is set for a potential championship run in 2025.
Sark’s Vision for the Longhorns
Sarkisian’s success at Texas has been driven by his clear and focused vision. The head coach has instilled a winning mentality and a culture of excellence that permeates the entire program. His emphasis on player development, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, has led to a dynamic and high-scoring offense that is one of the most difficult to stop in college football. The Longhorns’ offense, led by star quarterback Quinn Ewers and a talented group of skill players, has the ability to outmatch nearly any opponent.
But it’s not just the offense that has improved under Sarkisian’s watch. His commitment to building a balanced, well-rounded team has paid dividends on defense as well. Texas boasts one of the most formidable defensive units in the nation, led by a stout front seven and a secondary that is capable of shutting down the most potent passing attacks. This balance of offensive firepower and defensive strength has made Texas a complete team, one that can compete with the best in the country.
Sarkisian’s coaching philosophy centers around high-tempo, explosive offensive football, which is why Texas’ offense has been so successful. His background as an offensive coordinator has helped shape an offense that is aggressive yet disciplined, able to adapt to any defense it faces. With a quarterback like Quinn Ewers, who has the potential to be a top NFL prospect, Sarkisian has the tools to orchestrate an offense that will challenge defenses week in and week out.
2024: The Foundation of a Championship Program
The 2024 season was pivotal for Texas football, setting the foundation for what promises to be a championship-caliber squad in 2025. The Longhorns finished the season with a 12-2 record, securing a Big 12 championship and earning a spot in the College Football Playoff. Texas came close to making a national title game appearance, but a tough loss in the semifinals left them hungry for more.
Even in defeat, Texas’ performance in the CFP sent a powerful message to the rest of the college football world: the Longhorns are back, and they’re a force to be reckoned with. The growth from year one under Sarkisian to year three was remarkable. There was a noticeable difference in the team’s mental toughness, execution, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
One of the biggest success stories of the season was quarterback Quinn Ewers, who had an exceptional year. Ewers showed tremendous growth, improving his decision-making, accuracy, and leadership. He finished the season as one of the top quarterbacks in college football and a future first-round NFL draft pick. But despite his individual accolades, Ewers and the rest of the team know that the ultimate goal is a national championship, and Sarkisian is making it clear that they’re not stopping until they achieve that.
Building Championship Culture
While the talent and execution on the field are crucial for winning championships, Sarkisian understands that creating a championship-winning culture off the field is just as important. Under his leadership, Texas has focused on developing a strong team-first mentality that prioritizes hard work, discipline, and accountability.
The Longhorns’ success in 2024 was not just the result of talent, but also a product of the program’s commitment to mental toughness and resilience. Sarkisian has instilled a mindset where every player is expected to give their best effort day in and day out. From offseason training to weekly preparation, there is a relentless focus on improvement. The team knows that their ultimate success depends on their ability to stay focused, work together, and make adjustments when needed.
Sarkisian’s experience as both a player and a coach has given him the tools to develop that winning culture. His leadership and communication skills have been integral in building strong relationships with his players, who respect him not just as a coach but as a mentor. Sarkisian knows that the road to a championship is not easy, but his players are bought in to his vision, and that’s what makes them dangerous.
The 2025 Season: Championship or Bust?
The 2025 season will be a defining year for Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns. After building a strong foundation and coming so close to a national championship in 2024, the Longhorns are now ready to take that next step. There is no question that the expectations are high for Texas in 2025, and for Sarkisian, the pressure to deliver a national title is undeniable.
Texas enters the season as one of the favorites to win it all. With a potent offense led by Quinn Ewers, a rock-solid defense, and a proven coaching staff, Texas is poised to compete with the top teams in the nation. Sarkisian’s playcalling, along with his ability to make in-game adjustments, will be key factors in ensuring that Texas can reach its full potential. But Sarkisian is not one to shy away from pressure—he thrives on it.
Throughout his coaching career, Sarkisian has shown that he is more than capable of handling high expectations. After a successful stint at Alabama, where he helped lead the Crimson Tide offense to multiple national championships, Sarkisian has proven that he can guide a team to the pinnacle of college football. Now, as the head coach at Texas, he is focused on bringing that same success to Austin.
Recruiting and Building for the Future
Another important aspect of Sarkisian’s mission is the continued success in recruiting. The Longhorns have secured some of the nation’s top recruits in recent years, and this recruiting class for 2025 is no exception. Texas is attracting some of the best high school talent in the country, and many of these recruits will have an immediate impact on the team’s championship aspirations.
Sarkisian has built strong recruiting ties across the country, and his ability to identify and develop talent has been a key reason for Texas’ rise. Whether it’s landing blue-chip quarterbacks, dynamic skill players, or top-tier defensive prospects, Texas’ recruiting pipeline is as strong as ever. Sarkisian knows that to maintain championship success, recruiting has to remain a priority, and he is already looking ahead to the next wave of talent that will help sustain the Longhorns’ dominance.