Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, has never shied away from speaking his mind, and his latest proclamation is one that has sent ripples through the college football landscape: Texas has all the pieces to win a national championship this year. That kind of confidence might have seemed bold, even laughable, a few years ago. But in 2025, with momentum on their side, an elite recruiting class, a proven quarterback, and a roster brimming with NFL-level talent, Sarkisian’s belief doesn’t just sound like coach-speak — it might actually be the truth.
From the moment Sark took the reins in Austin, he’s preached process and patience, reminding fans and media alike that building a championship-caliber program isn’t something that happens overnight. But after years of restructuring the foundation, tweaking schemes, and relentlessly hitting the recruiting trail, the Longhorns appear to be peaking at exactly the right time. The 2025 season is poised to be the ultimate test of his vision, and if all goes to plan, it could also be the year Texas finally sheds its “almost there” label and reclaims its spot among college football’s elite.
At the center of Sarkisian’s confidence is quarterback Quinn Ewers. Once a highly touted high school phenom and Ohio State transfer, Ewers has steadily matured under Sark’s system. His decision-making, arm strength, and field command have all improved dramatically, and he now enters the season as one of the most experienced and dangerous signal-callers in the country. More importantly, Ewers is flanked by a deep and talented supporting cast — including receivers that can stretch the field, running backs with explosive potential, and one of the best offensive lines Texas has fielded in over a decade.
The offensive line, a historical weak spot in recent Texas teams, has become a fortress thanks to consistent development and savvy recruiting. Anchored by returning veterans and bolstered by five-star freshmen, the unit has both size and agility. That presence up front has made Sark’s offense more balanced and dynamic, opening up play-action opportunities while providing Ewers with ample time to work through his progressions.
But it’s not just the offense that has Sarkisian so high on his team’s chances. The defense, under the guidance of coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, has evolved into a fast, physical, and intelligent unit capable of stifling even the most potent attacks. Last season, they showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in key matchups, and now with another year of experience and continuity, they’ve transformed into a legitimate shutdown group. Linebackers fly to the ball, defensive backs aren’t afraid to play man coverage, and the pass rush is relentless — a far cry from the inconsistent play that plagued the Longhorns during the late 2010s.
What sets this Texas team apart, however, isn’t just the talent on the field — it’s the culture that Sarkisian has built off of it. Gone are the days of entitlement and inconsistency. In their place stands a program rooted in accountability, toughness, and unity. Veteran leadership has played a huge role in fostering that mindset. Players like Ewers, Xavier Worthy, and Jaylan Ford have embraced the responsibility of setting the tone for younger teammates. They’ve created an environment where excellence is expected, not hoped for.
Sarkisian’s approach to player development has also helped Texas make this leap. Rather than chasing quick fixes in the transfer portal, he’s prioritized building from within, trusting his staff to mold raw talent into refined players. That long-term investment is now paying dividends. Redshirt juniors and seniors who’ve been in the system for multiple years understand the nuances of the playbook and the expectations of the coaching staff. Their experience has created a trickle-down effect, accelerating the development of underclassmen and creating a depth chart loaded with plug-and-play contributors.
Another major factor in Texas’s championship aspirations is the way they’ve handled the transition to the SEC. The move, which some feared would be too big a leap for the Longhorns, has instead energized the program. Sarkisian embraced the challenge, telling recruits and players alike that if they wanted to play against the best, they had to be ready to beat the best. And beat the best is exactly what Texas plans to do. Their schedule this season is a gauntlet, featuring showdowns with perennial powers like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. But rather than shy away, Sark has leaned into the moment, calling it an opportunity to prove that Texas doesn’t just belong — they intend to dominate.
The buy-in from boosters, alumni, and fans has also never been higher. DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium has become a cauldron of noise and energy, thanks to record attendance and a reinvigorated fanbase that believes this team could bring home the first national title since 2005. Off the field, Texas continues to lead in NIL opportunities and athletic department resources, giving them a major advantage in attracting and retaining talent.
While it’s true that college football is unpredictable, and injuries or one-off performances can derail even the most promising seasons, Sarkisian remains unflinching in his belief. He’s seen the progress day in and day out. He’s watched the weight room numbers skyrocket, the practice habits improve, and the mental toughness grow. To him, this isn’t a team that might win a championship — it’s a team built to win one.
Critics may argue that until Texas wins big, the hype is just that — hype. But Sarkisian isn’t concerned with outside noise. He’s focused on the locker room, the practice field, and the relentless pursuit of getting better every single day. He knows that championships aren’t won in the media or in preseason rankings. They’re won through grit, preparation, and execution.
That mentality has rubbed off on his players, too. You won’t hear many bold proclamations from this team, at least not publicly. What you will hear is a group of young men focused on the next snap, the next opponent, and the next challenge. They understand what’s at stake. They’ve heard the talk. But they also know that the only way to silence the doubters and fulfill their coach’s vision is to perform when it matters most — under the bright lights on Saturdays.
Even Sarkisian’s coaching staff reflects his championship mindset. His offensive and defensive coordinators are among the most respected in the country, and the rest of his staff is stacked with experience, energy, and recruiting prowess. That cohesion at the top has created a trickle-down of consistency that manifests in everything from game prep to sideline adjustments. It’s a team effort in every sense of the word.
Recruiting, of course, remains the lifeblood of college football, and in that area, Texas has once again separated itself. The Longhorns brought in another top-five recruiting class this past cycle, and their 2026 class is already shaping up to be just as strong. That pipeline of talent ensures that even if a few stars leave for the NFL after this year, the program’s momentum won’t slow.
Sarkisian has also made it a point to recruit not just athletes, but competitors — players who love the game, hate losing, and want to be great. That edge has begun to define the new identity of Texas football. No longer satisfied with moral victories or “good seasons,” this team expects to win — and win big.
If Texas does go on to win it all this year, it won’t be because they were the flashiest or the most hyped. It will be because they were the most complete. A team with a strong offensive identity, a suffocating defense, elite special teams, and the mental makeup to weather storms. It will be because of years of groundwork laid by Sarkisian and his staff — years of building, failing, adjusting, and ultimately thriving.
