The Texas Longhorns have long been one of the most storied programs in college football, with a history filled with national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and legendary coaches. In recent years, however, the program has experienced its share of struggles, as it searches for its next great era. The pressure to return to elite status has mounted, but Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, in his third year at the helm, believes his team finally has the pieces it needs to not only return to greatness but to sustain it for years to come.
Sarkisian’s optimism is not misplaced. After a tumultuous start to his tenure, the Longhorns are showing signs of progress. Last season, Texas finished with an 8-5 record, and while the program still has its challenges to overcome, there were signs that the foundation for future success was being built. From impressive individual performances to growing cohesion across the team, Sarkisian’s blueprint for success is beginning to take shape.
At the heart of Texas’ resurgence is an offense that has the potential to be among the most potent in the country. Sarkisian has built his reputation as an offensive mastermind, and it’s clear that his influence on this team is starting to bear fruit. The Longhorns are no longer reliant on a single player to carry the load offensively; rather, they have developed a dynamic, balanced attack that can strike in multiple ways.
The quarterback position has long been a question mark for Texas, but with the arrival of Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns now have a player with immense upside and a high ceiling. Ewers, who transferred from Ohio State, has the tools to be a star in Sarkisian’s system. His arm strength, mobility, and football IQ are all assets that will allow him to flourish in the Texas offense. Ewers showed glimpses of his potential last season, and with a full offseason to prepare and further develop under Sarkisian’s tutelage, he is poised to take a significant step forward in 2025.
Equally important to Texas’ offensive success is the running game. The Longhorns have one of the most talented running back rooms in the country, led by Bijan Robinson, who could easily be a Heisman contender in 2025. Robinson’s ability to break tackles, change direction on a dime, and make explosive plays has made him one of the most exciting players to watch in college football. Behind him, Texas has several capable backups who can step in and provide depth, ensuring that the Longhorns have a potent ground game to complement their passing attack.
The receiving corps, too, has emerged as a strength for Texas. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy is one of the most explosive players at his position, capable of stretching the field and making big plays downfield. Alongside him, Jordan Whittington, who brings experience and reliability, gives Ewers a trusted target over the middle. The addition of several talented freshmen to the receiving group has also provided depth and competition, giving the Longhorns multiple options in the passing game.
Sarkisian’s offense is known for its creativity and ability to exploit mismatches, and with the talent he has at his disposal, it’s easy to see why he is so confident in his team’s potential. The Longhorns have the pieces in place to field an offense that can both control the clock and explode for big plays, a dangerous combination for any defense.
While the offense has been the focal point of Sarkisian’s tenure, the defense has been the area of focus for much-needed improvement. Under previous head coaches, the Longhorns struggled to maintain a consistent defensive presence, often giving up big plays and failing to stop opposing offenses when it mattered most. However, in his third season, Sarkisian is optimistic that Texas’ defense has turned a corner and will be a much-improved unit in 2025.
At the core of Texas’ defensive resurgence is a defensive line that has the potential to dominate. The Longhorns have invested heavily in recruiting and developing talent along the front seven, and it’s beginning to show. The defensive line is deep, physical, and athletic, with players capable of disrupting both the run and pass game. Texas has a solid rotation of defensive linemen, and this depth will be crucial in keeping players fresh throughout the course of the season.
Linebacker play is another area where the Longhorns are starting to see significant improvement. Texas has some of the best linebacker prospects in the country, and many of them are finally coming into their own. Players like Jaylan Ford and DeMarvion Overshown have been standouts on the defense, consistently making plays and serving as leaders for the unit. They bring a mix of speed, physicality, and playmaking ability that gives Texas a dynamic presence in the middle of the field.
The secondary, too, has seen a boost in talent, and Sarkisian believes that this group will be critical to Texas’ success on defense. The Longhorns have bolstered their defensive backfield with several talented recruits, and many of the returning players have made significant strides in their development. Texas’ cornerbacks have shown the ability to cover the field, while the safety group has become more effective at reading offenses and making timely plays. As the secondary continues to gel, it should become one of the strongest units on the defense.
Sarkisian’s confidence in his defense stems from a combination of talent, coaching, and depth. While the unit may not be elite yet, it is clear that Texas has the potential to be a disruptive force on that side of the ball, especially when it comes to limiting explosive plays and getting after the quarterback.
Behind the X’s and O’s of the offense and defense is Sarkisian’s leadership. The Texas head coach has worked tirelessly to instill a winning culture, one that emphasizes discipline, accountability, and a team-first mentality. Sarkisian has also surrounded himself with a coaching staff that shares his vision and has a track record of success at both the college and professional levels.
Sarkisian’s ability to attract top-tier assistant coaches has been crucial in shaping the Longhorns into a championship-caliber team. His offensive coordinator, Kyle Flood, has done an exceptional job developing Texas’ offensive line, and his defensive coordinator, Pete Kwiatkowski, has brought a wealth of experience to the defensive side of the ball. These coordinators, along with the position coaches, have helped to establish a strong football identity for Texas, one that has the potential to compete with the best teams in the country.
In addition to the X’s and O’s, Sarkisian is placing a strong emphasis on player development. Texas is full of high-end talent, but Sarkisian understands that raw ability alone will not be enough to reach the program’s goals. He has worked hard to ensure that his players are not only well-coached but also well-prepared for the mental and physical demands of college football. The growth of players like Ewers, Robinson, and Worthy is a testament to Sarkisian’s ability to develop talent and maximize the potential of his roster.
Sarkisian’s leadership is also seen in the way he has helped to build a family atmosphere within the program. There is a clear sense of unity on the team, with players supporting one another and holding each other accountable. This cohesion is crucial for building a successful program, and it is something Sarkisian has placed at the forefront of his vision for Texas.
With Sarkisian’s confidence in the foundation he has built, the Longhorns are positioned for sustained success. Texas is not yet at the top of the college football landscape, but the program is trending upward, and there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the team. Sarkisian believes that the Longhorns have all the ingredients needed to compete for championships, and with the talent on the roster and the coaching staff in place, it’s easy to see why.
The 2025 season will be a critical one for Texas. The Longhorns are set to face a challenging schedule, but with the foundation they’ve laid, they will be ready to rise to the occasion. Sarkisian has cultivated a roster that is capable of taking on the best teams in the country, and with key players at every position, Texas will be a contender in the Big 12 and beyond.
As the Longhorns prepare for the upcoming season, Sarkisian’s confidence in his team is unwavering. He believes that the program is finally on the right path and that greatness is within reach. The hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence are starting to pay off, and Texas is primed for a bright future. The Longhorns may not be there yet, but they are closer than ever, and with Sarkisian at the helm, the best is yet to come.