The state of Texas breathes football, and at the heart of that passion stands a coach with a mission, a vision, and a plan uniquely his own. For the 66th edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, no figure better captures the story of resurgence, resilience, and redefining tradition than Steve Sarkisian. The University of Texas head coach has been chosen as the main cover feature—a symbolic gesture that signifies not only his growing influence in the college football landscape but also his success in reawakening a sleeping giant in Austin.
For decades, Dave Campbell’s Texas Football has celebrated legends, honored icons, and captured the essence of football in the Lone Star State. Gracing the cover isn’t just a visual honor—it’s a recognition of impact. And few have had a bigger one in recent years than Sarkisian. From rebuilding culture to revamping the roster, Sarkisian’s approach has been methodical and personal. He hasn’t just tried to restore Texas football—he’s tried to transform it. This isn’t a mere return to glory. It’s a reimagining of what glory looks like under his guidance.
When Sarkisian took over the Texas program, expectations were sky high. The Longhorns hadn’t lived up to their tradition for over a decade. Despite occasional sparks of brilliance, sustained success had eluded the program. What followed Sarkisian’s arrival was a storm of skepticism, pressure, and intense scrutiny. Could he be the one to not only stabilize but elevate Texas back to national relevance? With a calm demeanor and a fierce determination, he went to work—not with theatrics, but with thoughtful leadership and precise execution.
He started from the inside out. Sarkisian recognized that the foundation of any great football program lies in its culture. He focused on accountability, player development, and creating a winning mindset that extends beyond the field. From the strength room to the quarterback room, his fingerprints are on everything. Every recruit he signs, every assistant he hires, every speech he gives—it all points to a singular goal: build something special and sustainable.
The 2023 season became a turning point. After an offseason of meticulous preparation, Texas showed flashes of dominance on the field. Signature wins over conference rivals, a revived energy inside Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, and the maturation of a deep and talented roster proved that Texas was no longer just “back” in spirit—it was back in substance. The foundation Sarkisian laid in his early years began to pay dividends. Critics turned into believers. Players bought into the process. And the rest of the country started to take notice.
A big part of Sarkisian’s success has been his recruiting acumen. Texas has landed some of the top prospects in the country, and it’s no accident. Sarkisian brings both NFL pedigree and a championship mindset from his days at Alabama. That combination has proven magnetic for high school stars looking for a path to greatness. But it’s not just about talent—it’s about fit. Sarkisian is intentional in targeting players who align with the culture he’s building. He doesn’t chase stars; he chases character, work ethic, and potential.
Quarterback development has been another hallmark. From his days coaching Heisman winners and future pros, Sarkisian has established himself as one of the top offensive minds in the country. At Texas, he’s brought that same energy. His quarterbacks are not just playmakers—they’re leaders, thinkers, and extensions of the coaching staff on the field. Under Sarkisian, the Texas offense has become more dynamic, more adaptable, and more dangerous. Explosive plays have returned. Creativity has returned. Confidence has returned.
But success hasn’t come without adversity. Sarkisian has faced his share of challenges, both personal and professional. His journey back to a head coaching role has been well documented—marked by redemption, reflection, and resolve. It’s part of what makes his leadership so authentic. Players respect him not just for his football mind, but for his humanity. He knows what it means to fall and rise again. That perspective permeates the Texas program. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being relentless.
The cover of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football is more than just a portrait—it’s a powerful message. It signals a belief that Steve Sarkisian isn’t just a coach with momentum. He’s a coach with a blueprint for greatness. The timing couldn’t be more symbolic, either. As Texas prepares for its move to the Southeastern Conference, the stakes have never been higher. The program is stepping onto a bigger stage, into a fiercer spotlight, and Sarkisian is expected to lead the charge. The challenges of the SEC are immense, but Sarkisian has been there before. He understands the speed, the physicality, and the pressure. More importantly, he embraces it.
And the excitement among the fan base has reached fever pitch. Longhorn Nation has waited years—some would argue decades—for a coach who could bring both swagger and substance. In Sarkisian, they see both. He doesn’t promise easy victories. He promises a relentless pursuit of excellence. He doesn’t dwell on the past. He honors it, learns from it, and uses it as fuel for the future. That mindset has helped reconnect the Texas faithful with the heart of the program. There’s pride again. There’s unity again. There’s belief again.
As summer heats up and preseason chatter begins to rise, Sarkisian’s image on the cover serves as a reminder that this isn’t just another season in Austin—it’s the next chapter in a remarkable comeback story. His presence on that iconic cover ties him to the greats who came before, while also establishing his own legacy. He may still have much to prove, but make no mistake—he’s already changed the conversation around Texas football. The question is no longer whether Texas can compete. The question is how far Texas can go under his leadership.
For Sarkisian, the work is far from over. Every practice, every game, every decision continues to shape the trajectory of a program with sky-high expectations. But that’s exactly where he thrives—in the pressure, in the process, in the pursuit. He’s not trying to be the next Darrell Royal or Mack Brown. He’s not replicating history. He’s creating his own.
The 66th edition of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football encapsulates that energy. It captures a moment in time when belief is rebuilding into reality. When a coach and a program find themselves perfectly aligned. When the path forward is paved not just by tradition, but by transformation.
This cover is a statement. Steve Sarkisian is doing it his way—and it’s working.
