Texas Football’s Steve Sarkisian Is About to Have a Problem Most College Football Staffs Would Kill For
In the ever-competitive world of college football, a coach’s ability to manage talent can often be the difference between a good season and a great one. For Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian, the challenge ahead is one that most coaches would envy—and frankly, would kill for.
As the 2024 season approaches, Sarkisian is staring down a problem that’s both enviable and incredibly complex: an overwhelming amount of talent at key positions. More specifically, his quarterback room and offensive skill positions are stacked with high-level playmakers, all vying for attention, reps, and playing time.
The Quarterback Dilemma
In football, there’s no more high-stakes position than quarterback, and Texas is fortunate to have two quarterbacks with significant potential. Quinn Ewers, the incumbent starter, has flashed brilliance, offering a strong arm, poise in the pocket, and the kind of leadership expected from a top-tier quarterback. But Texas also has a rising star in Arch Manning, the five-star freshman and heir apparent to the Longhorns’ signal-calling throne.
Manning, of course, carries the weight of a legendary family legacy, and his arrival in Austin has already created plenty of buzz. While Ewers has the edge in experience and has shown flashes of brilliance, the arrival of Manning represents a new era for the Longhorns. But with two incredibly talented quarterbacks in the mix, Sarkisian is faced with a delicate balancing act: how to best utilize both quarterbacks, avoid locker room tension, and maintain continuity in an offense that needs to build momentum heading into a challenging season.
For many coaches, having a battle-tested starter and a future superstar waiting in the wings would be a luxury. For Sarkisian, it’s a pressure-packed dilemma that could define the season. Do you stick with the proven starter and risk stunting the growth of a generational talent? Or do you hand the reins to Manning, hoping his potential far outweighs his lack of experience? No matter the decision, there will be consequences, and managing expectations will be critical.
A Deep and Talented Skill Position Group
The quarterback situation is only part of the puzzle. Sarkisian also finds himself with an embarrassment of riches in the skill positions. Texas boasts a stable of elite running backs and a talented wide receiver corps that has the potential to be one of the best in the nation. With guys like Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington, and Isaiah Neyor at receiver, along with a dynamic backfield led by Jonathon Brooks and CJ Baxter, Sarkisian is in a position few coaches are fortunate enough to be in—he has a wealth of playmakers at his disposal.
However, this is where the real challenge lies. With so many talented players across multiple positions, Sarkisian must figure out how to get all these players the touches they need to be successful without disrupting the rhythm of the offense. Not all of these athletes will be able to play every snap, and managing their egos and expectations will require a deft touch.
At the same time, the pressure is on Sarkisian to ensure that the offense stays balanced and dynamic. With so many talented individuals, it’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to force the ball to everyone. The key will be finding ways to spread the wealth while maintaining offensive efficiency and consistency.
The Benefits of Talent Overload
While managing a roster brimming with talent can be a headache, the advantages are undeniable. Sarkisian’s job becomes less about developing players from scratch and more about fine-tuning an already talented group. If done right, he can establish a depth chart that keeps opponents on their toes, with fresh legs and game-changing abilities waiting to strike at any moment.
Additionally, with the abundance of talent on offense, Texas has a greater chance to build a high-powered attack that can match up with the elite programs in the country, from the SEC to the College Football Playoff contenders. If Sarkisian can strike the right balance between depth and consistency, this Texas offense could become one of the most dangerous in the nation.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, Steve Sarkisian’s upcoming challenge is one that many coaches dream of: managing an incredibly deep and talented roster with significant potential. The decisions he makes in the quarterback room, as well as how he distributes playing time among his skill players, could shape Texas’ 2024 season—and perhaps the future of the program as a whole.
For now, Sarkisian is dealing with a problem most college football staffs would kill for—a problem that comes with immense pressure but also extraordinary potential. How he navigates this challenge will go a long way in determining whether Texas takes that next step into the national elite or continues to flirt with greatness without fully reaching it. Either way, it’s safe to say that the Longhorns are in a much better position than they have been in years past, and the season ahead promises to be an exciting one.