Texas Revival: How Steve Sarkisian Has Returned the Longhorns to the Top of College Football
After years of underachievement, instability, and inconsistent performances, the Texas Longhorns have returned to national prominence. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have begun to rebuild a program that was once a juggernaut in college football. In his relatively short tenure, Sarkisian has restored the pride and competitive edge that the Texas brand once represented, leading the Longhorns back into the national spotlight.
While Sarkisian’s arrival in 2021 was met with some skepticism, the transformation of the Longhorns has been remarkable. From a top-tier recruiting class to an innovative offensive strategy and a firm commitment to player development, Sarkisian has used his experience and coaching acumen to return Texas to a level of competition that it has long been accustomed to.
Rebuilding the Culture
When Sarkisian took over as the head coach of Texas, the program was in need of a complete culture overhaul. The Longhorns had not won a Big 12 championship since 2009 and had experienced multiple coaching changes, which led to inconsistent results on the field. Many felt that the team had lost its identity and that the program was no longer one of the elite programs in the nation.
Sarkisian, a former offensive coordinator at Alabama, understood the importance of building a winning culture and establishing discipline and accountability. He immediately set to work to change the mindset within the program. His leadership philosophy emphasized focus, trust, and a commitment to excellence — both on and off the field.
One of the first moves that Sarkisian made was to cultivate a sense of pride and purpose among his players. He established clear expectations for performance, but also stressed that development goes beyond football. He worked to create an environment where players knew they were expected to perform at their highest level, but also had the support to grow as individuals.
Sarkisian’s approach quickly began to resonate with the Texas football team. The players bought into his vision, and the change in culture was noticeable. Sarkisian’s emphasis on accountability and discipline translated to improved performances on the field, and the Longhorns began to regain a sense of confidence that had been missing for years.
Rejuvenating the Recruiting Class
One of the cornerstones of Texas’ revival under Sarkisian has been the recruitment of elite talent. Texas football has historically had access to a wealth of in-state talent, but in recent years, the Longhorns struggled to capitalize on that advantage. However, under Sarkisian, the recruiting efforts have surged.
Sarkisian’s ability to recruit has been one of the key factors in Texas’ resurgence. His reputation as an offensive mind and his success at Alabama helped him quickly establish strong relationships with high school recruits. By leveraging those relationships, Sarkisian has been able to secure commitments from top-tier prospects in both Texas and beyond. Under his leadership, Texas has consistently ranked among the top recruiting classes in the country, making the Longhorns a destination for elite talent.
One of the most impressive aspects of Sarkisian’s recruiting has been his ability to land highly rated quarterbacks, a position that has historically been a key factor in Texas’ success. In his first full recruiting cycle, Sarkisian was able to secure the commitment of Quinn Ewers, one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Ewers’ arrival in Austin signified a new era for Texas football and helped elevate the program’s national stature.
Additionally, Sarkisian has focused on rebuilding the offensive line, which had been a weak point for the program in recent years. By investing in the trenches, Sarkisian has ensured that the Longhorns’ offense is built on a solid foundation, capable of competing at the highest levels. Texas has also added a number of key playmakers on both sides of the ball, including top-tier wide receivers and defensive recruits. These recruiting efforts have paid off on the field, as Texas now has the talent to compete with the best teams in the nation.
Offensive Innovation and Success
One of the most significant contributions Steve Sarkisian has made to Texas football is the revitalization of the offense. Known for his innovative offensive mind and his ability to develop quarterbacks, Sarkisian has turned the Longhorns into one of the most potent offensive teams in the country. His offensive philosophy is built around a dynamic, up-tempo style that stresses balance and versatility.
Under Sarkisian, Texas has become known for its explosive passing attack, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers. Ewers has been a perfect fit for Sarkisian’s system, which emphasizes stretching the field vertically and using the passing game to open up running lanes. Texas has developed a reputation as one of the most dangerous offenses in the country, capable of putting up big numbers against any opponent.
Sarkisian’s ability to adapt and make in-game adjustments has also been a key part of Texas’ offensive success. He’s been able to tailor his game plans to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, while still maintaining a balanced offensive attack. The Longhorns’ offensive scheme has been highly effective, as it allows players to play to their strengths and keeps defenses on their heels.
Additionally, Sarkisian’s success at Alabama has influenced his approach to developing quarterbacks. Under his tutelage, quarterbacks have flourished, and this trend has continued with Quinn Ewers at Texas. Ewers has displayed impressive growth under Sarkisian’s system, showcasing the ability to make all the necessary throws while managing the game efficiently.
Texas has also benefitted from Sarkisian’s commitment to developing a strong running game. Running back Bijan Robinson has been a star in Sarkisian’s offense, showcasing his ability to break tackles, find the open field, and contribute in both the running and passing game. Robinson has become one of the top running backs in college football, and his success has helped Texas establish a more well-rounded offensive attack.
Building a Defense That Complements the Offense
While Sarkisian is known for his offensive prowess, he has also made significant strides in rebuilding the Longhorns’ defense. While the offensive success has grabbed most of the headlines, Texas’ defense has quietly become one of the most improved units in the country under the leadership of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.
The Longhorns’ defense is aggressive and physical, with an emphasis on creating turnovers and generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Texas has become a much more formidable force on that side of the ball, allowing the offense to capitalize on field position and maintain control of games. The improved defensive play has been crucial to Texas’ success in big games, as it has allowed the team to remain competitive against high-powered offenses.
Key players like linebacker Jaylan Ford and defensive linemen like T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy have played crucial roles in the resurgence of the defense. The Longhorns’ ability to stop the run and get after the quarterback has made them a tough matchup for any team.
Looking to the Future
Under Steve Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns have returned to national relevance and are poised to contend for championships in the years to come. Sarkisian’s combination of offensive innovation, strong recruiting, and commitment to player development has laid the groundwork for sustained success. With the talent Texas has amassed, it is clear that the Longhorns are no longer just a team with potential; they are a program capable of winning big.
As Sarkisian continues to build on his foundation, Texas will be a program to watch closely in the coming years. The Longhorns are back, and with Sarkisian at the helm, their future in college football looks brighter than ever.
