Texas Football Resurrection Built on the Shoulders of Big Humans

The resurgence of Texas Longhorns football over recent years has been a story of rebirth. After years of mediocrity and frustration, Texas has reclaimed its rightful place among college football’s elite, and this revival has been built on the shoulders of some of the biggest, most physically imposing players in the sport: the offensive and defensive linemen. These “big humans” have been central to the program’s revival under head coach Steve Sarkisian, laying the foundation for both the offensive and defensive units to thrive.

Football is a game of trenches. Despite the flash and the flair of skilled positions like quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, it is the linemen who determine the true course of the game. The Texas football renaissance has been driven by an impressive collection of linemen, who have allowed the program to dominate on both sides of the ball.

The Importance of the Offensive Line

The foundation of any great offense is the offensive line. And for Texas, the return to prominence begins with a unit that has become one of the most fearsome in college football. Under Steve Sarkisian’s tenure, the offensive line has evolved into a weapon, key to both the running and passing games. The resurgence began with talent acquisition and a focus on physicality, which translated into performance on the field.

Texas has recruited elite offensive line prospects over the last few years, bringing in players who are massive in size, but also quick and technical. These players have been able to provide quarterback Quinn Ewers with ample protection, while opening lanes for running back Bijan Robinson to exploit. The combination of size and technique in Texas’ offensive line has allowed them to execute a balanced attack, which is a hallmark of Sarkisian’s system.

In 2021, Texas had one of the most potent rushing offenses in the country, largely due to the incredible efforts of the offensive line. The Longhorns were ranked 14th in the nation in rushing yards per game, and much of that success can be attributed to the skillful blocking of players like Jake Majors, Junior Angilau, and Christian Jones. These linemen were the unsung heroes, moving defenders off the ball and creating massive holes for Robinson to burst through.

Notably, the arrival of Kyle Flood as the offensive line coach played a major role in revitalizing the Texas offensive line. Flood brought a wealth of experience from his time at Alabama and other prestigious programs, and under his tutelage, Texas’ linemen have been able to develop not just their physical size but also their technical proficiency. Flood’s focus on proper footwork, hand placement, and pad level has ensured that Texas’ offensive line consistently dominates at the point of attack.

The Power of the Defensive Line

While the offensive line sets the tone for Texas’ offensive success, it is the defensive line that has truly revolutionized the program’s identity. The defensive line has been a key component in Texas’ defensive resurgence, a unit that has returned to elite status after years of inconsistency.

A cornerstone of Texas’ defensive line success has been the addition of high-level recruits, many of whom are not just big, but explosive and dynamic. Players like Byron Murphy, T’Vondre Sweat, and Alfred Collins are key examples of Texas’ recruiting prowess, and they’ve been able to dominate the line of scrimmage. These players have the size and power to stop the run, but also the quickness and agility to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt the passing game.

One of the biggest advantages Texas’ defensive line has is its depth. In years past, the Longhorns’ defensive line would wear down as the game progressed, but that is no longer an issue. Texas now has multiple players who can come in and out, ensuring that the defensive line stays fresh and effective throughout the entire game. This depth has been crucial in allowing the Longhorns to exert pressure on the quarterback, stop the run, and create turnovers.

Another important aspect of Texas’ defensive line is its versatility. Many of these big humans possess a combination of size and athleticism that allow them to play in multiple positions, creating havoc for opposing offenses. Texas’ defensive coordinator, Pete Kwiatkowski, has maximized this versatility by moving players around and ensuring that no one is predictable. By creating mismatches and forcing offenses to account for multiple players, Kwiatkowski has given Texas an advantage up front.

Recruits Who’ve Transformed the Line

Texas’ program revival wouldn’t be possible without the top-tier recruits that have populated the offensive and defensive lines. Recruiting has always been a key component of Texas’ success, and the Longhorns have maintained their status as one of the top programs in the country when it comes to signing high school talent.

The 2022 and 2023 recruiting classes were pivotal in providing the Longhorns with the players they needed to restore their once-vaunted offensive and defensive lines. Texas signed some of the nation’s best offensive line recruits, such as Devon Campbell, a five-star guard who was a game-changer in the trenches. Campbell’s commitment to Texas helped solidify the future of the offensive line, and his play has already made an impact, bringing added strength and physicality to the unit.

On the defensive side, Texas signed some elite prospects like Ernest Cooper, a towering edge rusher, and Colton Vasek, another edge player with exceptional burst and athleticism. The combination of these recruits, along with returning veterans like Murphy and Sweat, has given the Longhorns one of the most fearsome defensive lines in the country.

The Evolution of Texas Football: Offensive and Defensive Synergy

The revival of Texas football has been a collective effort. But as is often the case in college football, the success of one side of the ball often influences the other. The Longhorns’ success in the trenches has allowed them to operate with great balance between offense and defense. When the offensive line is able to dominate up front, it allows Texas to control the clock, gain yardage, and sustain drives. The result is that the defense has the luxury of playing with less pressure, knowing they don’t have to be on the field as much.

Conversely, Texas’ defense has kept offenses off balance, disrupting passing attempts and shutting down the run. With a dominant defensive line, the Longhorns have been able to pressure quarterbacks, forcing them into mistakes, which leads to better field position for the offense.

The key to Texas’ success in both areas has been a philosophy rooted in toughness and physicality. The Longhorns have embraced a trench warfare mentality, and that’s exactly how they’ve been able to rise to the top of the Big 12. Coach Sarkisian has worked hard to cultivate a program that understands the importance of dominating the line of scrimmage, and that philosophy has paid dividends.

The Road Ahead: Texas in the SEC

As Texas looks toward its future, particularly its upcoming move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the importance of big humans in the trenches will only increase. The SEC is renowned for its physicality, with some of the best offensive and defensive lines in the country. The Longhorns will need to be up to the challenge, and that starts with continued investment in their offensive and defensive lines.

Recruiting will play an even larger role as Texas transitions to the SEC. The Longhorns will need to continue to land top-tier offensive and defensive line prospects in order to compete at the highest level. Fortunately for Texas, the program is well-positioned to attract top talent. Sarkisian’s success, combined with the immense resources of the University of Texas, has set the stage for continued dominance up front.