Steve Sarkisian has always had the football mind. From his early days as a quarterback at BYU to his various coaching stints across the college and professional ranks, Sarkisian’s offensive prowess has never been in question. But what sets him apart in 2025 isn’t just the playbook—it’s the transformation he’s orchestrated at Texas. After years of mediocrity and unmet expectations, Sarkisian has turned the Longhorns into a perennial powerhouse, and it’s now undeniable that he ranks among college football’s elite coaches.
When Sarkisian arrived in Austin in January 2021, Texas football was in desperate need of direction. Tom Herman’s tenure had brought moments of excitement but ultimately ended in disappointment, and the once-proud program found itself adrift, clinging to nostalgia and recruiting wins that never seemed to materialize into championships. Sarkisian inherited a fractured team, skeptical fans, and a national narrative that questioned whether Texas could ever truly be “back.”
Fast forward to the present, and that narrative has been emphatically rewritten. Sarkisian didn’t just rebuild the Texas football brand—he redefined it. Under his leadership, the Longhorns have become one of the most feared and respected programs in the country. The turning point was the 2023 season, when Texas punched its ticket to the College Football Playoff for the first time and advanced all the way to the national title game. Though they fell short against Michigan, the message was clear: Texas was no longer a sleeping giant. It was wide awake and charging full speed ahead.
That breakthrough season wasn’t an accident. It was the product of strategic recruiting, culture building, and an ability to maximize talent that few coaches in the game possess. Sarkisian’s offensive genius is well documented. His time at Alabama as offensive coordinator saw the Crimson Tide produce one of the most explosive units in college football history, helping propel Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith, and Najee Harris to stardom. But at Texas, he’s shown he can do more than coordinate—he can lead, inspire, and sustain.
One of the key aspects of Sarkisian’s rise into the coaching elite has been his ability to adapt and evolve. He didn’t walk into Austin and try to replicate what he did in Tuscaloosa. He tailored his approach to the unique strengths of the Texas roster and its regional recruiting base. Sarkisian has struck gold with quarterbacks, from grooming Quinn Ewers into a polished leader to creating a quarterback room that is consistently among the deepest and most talented in the country. He’s also made it clear that no one individual defines the team, and that ethos has bred competition, accountability, and excellence.
Recruiting has been a massive piece of the puzzle. Sarkisian and his staff have consistently landed top-10 classes, but more importantly, they’ve identified and developed talent that fits their vision. They’ve built from the inside out, strengthening both the offensive and defensive lines and ensuring the Longhorns can compete in the trenches with the nation’s best. The results have spoken for themselves, with signature wins over Alabama, Oklahoma, and others serving as validation of Sarkisian’s approach.
Perhaps more impressive than any single win is the consistency Texas has begun to show. Gone are the days of beating a ranked opponent one week and losing to a 4-8 team the next. Under Sarkisian, the Longhorns play with poise, confidence, and discipline. They don’t flinch in big moments, and they’ve shown an ability to weather adversity—whether it’s injuries, hostile road environments, or close late-game situations. That mental toughness starts at the top, and Sarkisian’s even-keeled demeanor has become a steadying force for the entire program.
He has also embraced the modern elements of college football. From name, image, and likeness (NIL) to the transfer portal, Sarkisian has shown a forward-thinking mentality that puts Texas in a position of strength. He hasn’t just survived the chaos of the new era—he’s thrived in it. Players want to come to Austin because they know they’ll be developed, showcased, and supported on and off the field. That’s a credit to the culture Sarkisian has built and the infrastructure he’s helped implement.
When you look at the landscape of college football, there are a handful of coaches who consistently deliver at the highest level: names like Kirby Smart, Nick Saban, Dabo Swinney, and Jim Harbaugh have defined the playoff era. But in recent years, Sarkisian’s name has entered that conversation—and not as a footnote. He’s standing shoulder to shoulder with the best. His record against top-25 opponents is among the best in the country, and his teams not only win, they win with style and substance.
There’s also something to be said for the way Sarkisian has grown personally and professionally. His journey hasn’t been without adversity. He was once considered a rising star at USC before personal issues derailed his tenure. Many wondered if he’d ever get another shot to lead a major program. But Sarkisian didn’t just bounce back—he reinvented himself. He was transparent about his struggles, committed to personal growth, and returned to the sport with a renewed sense of purpose. That vulnerability and authenticity have resonated with his players and staff, creating a level of trust that’s rare in the high-stakes world of college football.
In many ways, Sarkisian’s story mirrors that of the Texas program: written off, doubted, but ultimately too talented and determined to stay down for long. The Longhorns’ move to the SEC has only heightened expectations, but Sarkisian has met the moment. In their debut SEC season, Texas didn’t just survive the transition—they thrived. They proved they belonged among the bluebloods of the sport and showed they could recruit, develop, and compete at an elite level in the nation’s toughest conference.
As the 2025 season approaches, the Longhorns are firmly in the national championship conversation once again. The roster is loaded, the coaching staff is intact, and the hunger is evident. Sarkisian has created a machine in Austin—one that recruits itself, holds itself accountable, and believes in its own greatness. And while the ultimate goal of a national championship still looms, it’s no longer a dream. It’s an expectation. That’s the standard Sarkisian has reestablished at Texas.
It’s also worth noting that Sarkisian’s influence extends beyond the field. He’s become a respected voice in the broader college football community, often advocating for player welfare, mental health, and the importance of education. He understands the pressures young athletes face and works to create an environment where they can succeed in all facets of life. That holistic approach to leadership is increasingly rare, and it’s one of the reasons he’s earned such deep respect from peers, alumni, and recruits alike.
There’s a confidence in Texas now that hadn’t been seen in years, and it radiates from Sarkisian. It’s not arrogance—it’s assurance. The kind that comes from preparation, hard work, and a belief in the process. The program is no longer reacting to adversity or chasing past glories. It’s forging its own identity, built on physicality, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. And at the heart of it all is Steve Sarkisian—a coach who knows who he is, knows what his team is capable of, and knows exactly how to get there.
While the college football landscape continues to shift with expansion, realignment, and evolving player dynamics, Sarkisian has positioned Texas to not only remain relevant, but to be a defining force in the sport for years to come. His tenure is no longer measured by potential—it’s defined by results. And with every win, every top recruit, and every national spotlight game, the evidence mounts: Steve Sarkisian is not just a good coach. He’s a great one.
As the Longhorns continue their climb, Sarkisian’s legacy is already being written—not in press conferences or hype videos, but in wins, titles, and the relentless march back to the top of college football. Texas is indeed back, and so is the coach whose brilliance, resilience, and leadership made it all possible. Steve Sarkisian has arrived, and he’s not going anywhere. The elite have a new peer, and his name is etched in Burnt Orange.
