In 2021, Steve Sarkisian took over as head coach of the Texas Longhorns with the weight of history and high expectations resting squarely on his shoulders. The Longhorns, one of the most storied programs in college football, had not tasted major success since their 2009 National Championship Game appearance. Despite boasting a rich tradition of excellence, Texas had struggled to return to the pinnacle of college football for over a decade. But after two seasons at the helm, Sarkisian has shown a clear blueprint for how he intends to return the Longhorns to the top of college football.
Sarkisian’s journey to Texas is one of redemption and experience. After a turbulent stint at USC and a period of recovery, Sarkisian emerged as one of the most respected offensive minds in the sport. His time at Alabama under Nick Saban, where he served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, helped refine his approach and honed his ability to develop elite talent. Upon his arrival in Austin, he inherited a program that had fallen into mediocrity but possessed abundant potential. By embracing his strengths, learning from past mistakes, and constructing a robust system, Sarkisian is on the verge of returning the Longhorns to prominence in college football.
A Vision for Offense
At the core of Steve Sarkisian’s success with Texas has been his offensive philosophy. Known for his dynamic, up-tempo offense that emphasizes versatility and explosiveness, Sarkisian has infused the Longhorns with a new identity. His system is built on the idea of giving his quarterbacks the tools and freedom to read defenses and make quick decisions. It’s a far cry from the more traditional, conservative offenses that had held Texas back in the years prior to his arrival.
When Sarkisian took over, Texas was already equipped with some key offensive talent, but Sarkisian’s system maximized their potential. Quarterback Bijan Robinson, a generational talent, became the focal point of the offense, and he quickly became one of the most productive and feared backs in the country under Sarkisian’s leadership. But it hasn’t just been Robinson’s standout performances that have made the Longhorns dangerous—it’s the complete overhaul of the offensive scheme. Sarkisian’s ability to utilize both the passing and running games effectively, while also putting his players in positions to succeed, has been critical to Texas’ rise.
Sarkisian’s offense is marked by balance. While it allows for explosive passing plays, it equally emphasizes the power running game, which is critical for controlling the line of scrimmage. This dual-threat offensive attack has made it difficult for defenses to predict and respond. Additionally, his ability to develop quarterbacks is already beginning to pay dividends, with young quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers looking poised to become elite players under his guidance.
Recruiting the Right Talent
One of the most significant ways Sarkisian has rejuvenated Texas’ football program is through his ability to recruit top-tier talent. Texas is a recruiting goldmine, home to some of the nation’s most talented high school players, and Sarkisian recognized that the key to restoring the Longhorns to national prominence was to lock down the state’s best prospects. He didn’t just recruit players; he recruited the right players who fit his system and could elevate Texas to national title contention.
In his first two recruiting cycles, Sarkisian made a statement by landing some of the top talent in the country. His recruiting efforts were highlighted by the commitment of Quinn Ewers, a former five-star quarterback from the 2022 class, who was considered one of the most highly touted recruits in recent years. Ewers’ commitment was a game-changer for the program, signaling to recruits, fans, and the college football world that Texas was back in the mix for top talent.
Additionally, Sarkisian has shown a remarkable ability to bring in impact players across multiple positions. His emphasis on offensive line development, a key to sustaining success in college football, has already paid off with several high-caliber offensive linemen signing on. His defensive recruiting, though often overshadowed by the offensive side of the ball, has also been strong. Players like safety Jalen Catalon and edge rusher David Hicks are just a few examples of talent that can elevate the Longhorns’ defense.
What’s more impressive is that Sarkisian has shown an ability to recruit nationally while also keeping the Texas talent pipeline flowing. Historically, the Longhorns had lost out on several top Texas recruits to rival schools like Alabama, LSU, and Oklahoma. However, Sarkisian has worked tirelessly to ensure that Texas remains a top destination for the state’s best players, a key to sustaining success.
Player Development and Culture
Beyond recruiting, Sarkisian’s ability to develop players and instill a winning culture has been critical to the Longhorns’ resurgence. When he arrived at Texas, the team lacked a true identity and struggled with consistency. Sarkisian’s arrival brought discipline, structure, and an emphasis on building a championship culture.
A key part of building that culture is player development. Sarkisian is known for his ability to refine quarterbacks, and that has been evident in his work with players like Sam Ehlinger and now Quinn Ewers. He emphasizes mental toughness, footwork, and decision-making, turning talented athletes into more polished and mature players. Similarly, his work with running backs, receivers, and offensive linemen has yielded better-coached and more technically sound players. These efforts have allowed Texas to consistently compete against the nation’s best teams.
Another key element in building this culture has been the strong leadership Sarkisian has developed within the locker room. He’s created an environment where players hold themselves accountable, and the program as a whole expects to compete at the highest level. This culture has translated into improved results on the field, with Texas showing resilience in high-pressure games, including major upsets of rival teams and close losses against top-ranked opponents.
Return to National Contention
Texas’ journey back to the top has not been without its challenges. The Longhorns have faced tough competition in the Big 12, most notably from Oklahoma, and the emergence of new powerhouse programs has made it harder to stay on top. But Sarkisian has positioned the Longhorns to challenge for conference titles and beyond.
Under his leadership, Texas has made significant strides, starting with an improved performance against ranked opponents and showing signs of returning to championship form. The team’s physicality, mental toughness, and ability to win key games are indicators of a program that is regaining its competitive edge.
The addition of the College Football Playoff (CFP) expansion in 2024 also presents a new opportunity for Sarkisian and the Longhorns. With an expanded field, the path to the national championship is more attainable, and Sarkisian’s blueprint of developing talent and building a championship culture positions Texas as a serious contender for the playoffs.
Conclusion
Steve Sarkisian has accomplished a great deal in a short period of time at Texas. His strategic offensive system, ability to recruit elite talent, and focus on player development have all played pivotal roles in returning the Longhorns to national relevance. Texas is once again a program to be reckoned with in college football, and as Sarkisian continues to mold the team in his vision, the Longhorns’ return to the top of the sport is looking more and more inevitable.
While the program is not quite back to the level of its 2000s-era dominance, it’s clear that Steve Sarkisian’s approach is one that has the potential to elevate Texas to the highest levels of college football once again. For fans of the Longhorns, the future looks incredibly bright. With Sarkisian at the helm, it’s only a matter of time before the Longhorns are competing for national championships once again.
