When it comes to college football recruiting, few coaches understand the power of homegrown talent quite like Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian. Since taking the reins in Austin, Sarkisian has made it clear that if you want to win in Texas, you have to win Texas. His blueprint is simple but powerful—lock down the best players within the Lone Star State before they even think about playing elsewhere. This philosophy has not only rejuvenated Texas football, but also set the foundation for a future that looks increasingly like a return to the Longhorns’ glory days.
Texas high school football is different. It’s not just a sport; it’s a way of life. From the packed Friday night stands in small towns to the state-of-the-art stadiums in major metropolitan areas, football in Texas is woven into the cultural fabric of communities. The state consistently produces more FBS-level talent than nearly any other, making it a goldmine for recruiters. And Sarkisian, who had stints at powerhouse programs like Alabama and USC, recognizes this unique treasure chest for what it is—a potential game-changer if tapped correctly.
The first step in Sarkisian’s plan was earning credibility among Texas high school coaches. That meant showing up, listening, and forming relationships. It meant attending coaching clinics, building trust, and demonstrating that he wasn’t just another outsider looking to plunder the state for talent. Sarkisian’s approach stood in contrast to some of his predecessors, who had lost ground to out-of-state programs like Alabama, Ohio State, and LSU. Instead of trying to win over the state from a distance, Sarkisian went straight into the heart of the action.
The early results were eye-opening. In his first full recruiting cycle, Sarkisian landed a top-five national recruiting class, featuring a bevy of elite Texas prospects. But more importantly, he started reversing the trend of top-tier players leaving the state. Quarterbacks, offensive linemen, defensive stars—suddenly, they were staying home to wear burnt orange. That shift didn’t happen by accident. Sarkisian and his staff made personal visits, established early contact, and created a culture where elite athletes felt not just wanted, but valued.
What makes Sarkisian’s Texas-centric strategy so successful is that it goes beyond talent acquisition. He understands that recruiting is about more than just stars and rankings; it’s about identity. By building a roster full of Texans, Sarkisian is constructing a team that understands what it means to represent the University of Texas. These players grew up dreaming of playing at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium. They understand the rivalries, the history, and the expectations. That kind of internalized motivation can’t be coached—it has to be lived. And that’s exactly what Sarkisian is betting on.
One key move that signaled Sarkisian’s intentions was his recruitment of quarterback Arch Manning. Though Manning isn’t from Texas, his decision to come to Austin was influenced by the infrastructure Sarkisian built around Texas talent. Manning saw the offensive line featuring top players from Houston and Dallas. He saw running backs and wide receivers from all corners of the state, united by a shared mission to restore Texas football. Arch’s commitment, in many ways, was a byproduct of Sarkisian’s success within Texas. When the state’s best are already bought in, it becomes much easier to attract complementary pieces from other regions.
Another underrated component of Sarkisian’s Texas-first recruiting philosophy is his commitment to player development. It’s one thing to sign elite recruits; it’s another to mold them into NFL-ready players. Sarkisian brought with him a wealth of NFL experience and surrounded himself with a staff that knows how to develop talent. From strength and conditioning to position-specific coaching, the Longhorns now boast a developmental pipeline that can rival any program in the country. And that’s important in Texas, where recruits are often choosing between immediate stardom and long-term growth. Sarkisian promises both.
Off the field, Sarkisian’s emphasis on NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities has further solidified Texas as a top destination for in-state recruits. With Austin serving as a booming tech and media hub, players have a platform unlike anywhere else in college football. Sarkisian has leaned into this reality, positioning the Longhorns as a program where athletes can thrive financially while building their personal brand. For many families in Texas, this is more than just a football decision—it’s a life decision. And Sarkisian’s holistic approach appeals to both parents and prospects.
The momentum has translated into wins, both on the recruiting trail and on the field. The Longhorns’ resurgence in the Big 12 and strong early play in the SEC are a testament to the foundation Sarkisian has laid. But perhaps more telling is the way the locker room has gelled. A roster dominated by Texas kids doesn’t just perform—they believe. They take pride in defending their home turf, avenging past losses, and proving that Texas is, indeed, back. That kind of unity starts with recruiting, and Sarkisian has built it one relationship at a time.
Of course, not every battle can be won. Programs like Alabama and Georgia will always try to poach Texas talent, and sometimes they’ll succeed. But what’s changed under Sarkisian is the default mindset of the elite Texas recruit. No longer is Texas seen as the stepping-stone to the next big thing. Now, it is the big thing. Staying home isn’t settling—it’s seizing an opportunity to be part of something historic. That narrative shift is powerful, and it has completely transformed the recruiting landscape.
Another fascinating element of Sarkisian’s strategy is his long-term vision. He isn’t just trying to win the next class—he’s cultivating relationships with high school coaches, 7-on-7 trainers, and youth league organizers that will pay dividends for years to come. He’s turning the University of Texas into a dream destination not just for today’s stars, but for tomorrow’s. In recruiting, momentum is everything. And by building deep, multi-year relationships, Sarkisian is ensuring that the Longhorns won’t just have one great class—they’ll have many.
Perhaps most impressive of all is Sarkisian’s ability to adapt. He understands that Texas is a diverse and expansive state, with different regions requiring different approaches. Recruiting in East Texas isn’t the same as recruiting in San Antonio, and both are different from the DFW metroplex. Sarkisian tailors his messaging to each area, using local connections and cultural understanding to show that he’s not just recruiting a player—he’s recruiting a family, a community, and a legacy.
The results are starting to show in the rankings. Year after year, Texas is finishing in the top tier of recruiting classes, often with the majority of its signees coming from within the state. And just as importantly, those players are sticking around. The transfer portal has reshaped college football, but Texas has managed to keep much of its talent home, thanks to a strong culture and clear development path. That kind of retention is rare in today’s game, and it’s a major credit to Sarkisian’s leadership.
As the Longhorns transition fully into the SEC, the stakes are higher than ever. The competition is fierce, the environments are hostile, and the margin for error is slim. But Sarkisian knows that in order to win big nationally, you have to win big locally first. By doubling down on Texas talent, he’s not just building a team—he’s building a movement. And as long as he continues to make the Lone Star State the heartbeat of his program, the future in Austin looks as bright as ever.
Ultimately, Steve Sarkisian’s Texas-first recruiting approach is more than just a strategy—it’s a philosophy, a culture, and a promise. It’s a commitment to the past, present, and future of Texas football. It’s about more than landing five-stars; it’s about building five-star men. And it all starts at home. In the high school gyms, the living rooms, and the Friday night lights of Texas, Sarkisian is waging a quiet, relentless war to make sure the best stay home. And if early returns are any indication, that war is already tipping in his favor.
