As the 2024 college football season draws nearer, the Texas Longhorns are under the leadership of Steve Sarkisian, and the program’s growth over the past couple of years has been noticeable. After a tumultuous few seasons, the Longhorns seem to be headed in the right direction under Sarkisian’s guidance. In a recent interview, Sarkisian revealed one specific area where the team is “ahead of schedule” in its development, sparking optimism among fans and analysts alike. This area of improvement, which has been crucial for the Longhorns’ success, revolves around the development of their quarterback position.
Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks has been one of his defining qualities as a coach. His background as an offensive coordinator at USC, Washington, and Alabama, along with his reputation as a quarterback guru, has positioned him to make an immediate impact on Texas football. Now, in his third season at the helm, Sarkisian is confident that Texas has made significant strides in its quarterback development, making them “ahead of schedule” for the 2024 season.
The Quarterback Position: A Critical Factor
Quarterback play is often the deciding factor in any college football program’s success, and Texas has had its share of struggles in this department in recent years. Historically, the Longhorns have been a program known for producing elite quarterbacks, but in recent seasons, they’ve struggled to find consistent play at the position. The inconsistency at quarterback, combined with a lack of overall cohesion, has been one of the reasons the program hasn’t reached its full potential. However, the tide seems to be turning under Sarkisian’s leadership.
When Sarkisian took over the program, he inherited a team that was looking for stability under center. With talented quarterbacks like Sam Ehlinger leaving the program, and a handful of recruits coming in, Sarkisian’s task was to rebuild the position. That challenge wasn’t easy, but Sarkisian was determined to make it work. In his first season, he brought in quarterback Hudson Card, who showed flashes of potential, but ultimately, the team lacked the type of consistent quarterback play that was necessary for sustained success.
In 2022, the Longhorns made a breakthrough with Quinn Ewers, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Ohio State. Ewers was expected to make an immediate impact, and while his performance wasn’t flawless, it showed promise. Despite some ups and downs throughout the season, the experience gained by Ewers in 2022 laid a solid foundation for 2023 and beyond.
2023: Building Upon Success
The 2023 season saw a continuation of progress at the quarterback position. Ewers was given more responsibility, and his performance improved as the season went on. While Texas fell short of a College Football Playoff appearance in 2023, the team showed significant signs of growth, especially on offense, which had been one of the team’s weaknesses in previous years. The development of Ewers was a critical part of that offensive success.
Texas fans began to see a quarterback who was starting to develop a true command of the offense. Ewers’ improved decision-making and confidence were evident as the season progressed. Additionally, the playmaking ability that had been highlighted when he was recruited began to show more consistently. Sarkisian’s coaching, combined with a solid supporting cast, allowed Ewers to flourish and showcase why he was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the country. The result was a quarterback who not only had the physical tools to succeed but also the mental maturity to handle the pressure of playing for a program like Texas.
The 2024 Season: ‘Ahead of Schedule’
Looking ahead to 2024, the Texas Longhorns are in a promising position, and Steve Sarkisian believes that the program is “ahead of schedule” when it comes to its quarterback situation. While many programs are still searching for their next star quarterback, the Longhorns have one in Ewers, and his continued development is a key reason for the optimism surrounding the team.
Sarkisian’s confidence comes from the fact that Ewers has already demonstrated the ability to handle pressure and succeed in big moments. As a result, the team is poised to build on the strong foundation established in 2023. The quarterback position is no longer a point of weakness for Texas—it is a position of strength, and the Longhorns are in a good position to make noise on a national level in 2024.
One of the key areas where Sarkisian believes his team is “ahead of schedule” is in how well Ewers has picked up on the offensive system. Sarkisian’s offense is complex, with a heavy emphasis on timing, decision-making, and reading defenses. It’s not an easy system to master, especially for a young quarterback, but Ewers has made significant strides in understanding the intricacies of the offense. This allows Sarkisian to be more flexible with his play calling, knowing that his quarterback is capable of executing a variety of plays.
In addition to Ewers, the supporting cast around him has improved as well. The Longhorns have one of the most talented groups of skill players in the country, including a deep and versatile receiving corps, which makes life easier for any quarterback. The offensive line, which has been a work in progress, is also showing signs of improvement. As a result, Sarkisian is able to do more with his offense than he could in previous seasons, and that is a testament to the development of the quarterback position.
The Future of Texas Football
While 2024 is shaping up to be a promising season, the future of Texas football is even brighter. The development of Ewers is just one piece of the puzzle. Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks and build an offensive system that maximizes their potential has positioned Texas to be a contender in the Big 12, and potentially, on the national stage.
Texas football has been searching for its next great quarterback for years, and it appears they have found him in Ewers. The 2024 season will be a crucial year for Sarkisian, as he looks to further establish his program and take the next step toward making Texas a true powerhouse in college football. If the quarterback position continues to evolve as it has under his leadership, the Longhorns could be on the cusp of a new era of dominance.
For Steve Sarkisian, the job isn’t done yet, but he has reason to be optimistic. His program is ahead of schedule, and the development of the quarterback position is a huge part of that. With a talented and confident quarterback leading the charge, Texas football is on the rise. The 2024 season will be the next chapter in this exciting journey, and if Sarkisian and the Longhorns continue on this upward trajectory, the future looks incredibly bright.
