What Steve Sarkisian Needs to Do to Make Texas Better; Defending QB Quinn Ewers’ Legacy | Bohls
The University of Texas Longhorns football program has a rich history of success and an undeniable sense of pride. However, in recent years, the Longhorns have struggled to regain the prominence they once held in college football. With Steve Sarkisian at the helm, Texas has made strides, but the journey to becoming a perennial powerhouse is still ongoing. As the program moves forward, several key questions remain: What exactly does Sarkisian need to do to elevate the Texas Longhorns football team to the level of national championship contention? How can he ensure that the quarterback position, particularly with Quinn Ewers, remains a strength moving forward? In a recent column, sportswriter Kirk Bohls provides valuable insight into the necessary steps for Sarkisian and his team, as well as an important defense of Ewers’ legacy.
Steve Sarkisian’s Path Forward for Texas Football
Steve Sarkisian, who took over as head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 2021, inherited a program that was in desperate need of a cultural shift. While Texas has produced elite talent on both sides of the ball, it had struggled with consistency and underperformed in high-pressure moments. Under Sarkisian’s leadership, the program has shown glimpses of greatness, but those flashes of brilliance have yet to materialize into sustained success.
For Texas to become the dominant force it aspires to be, several key areas must be addressed under Sarkisian’s guidance. Here are the main aspects that will define his ability to bring the Longhorns back to national prominence.
1. Developing a Consistent Offensive Identity
One of the main criticisms of the Texas Longhorns under Sarkisian has been their inability to establish a consistent and potent offensive identity. Sarkisian, who is known for his innovative offensive mind, has yet to consistently get the most out of his talent, especially in the Big 12. While players like Bijan Robinson and Xavier Worthy have flashed exceptional talent, the offense as a whole has been plagued by inconsistency.
To elevate the program, Sarkisian must develop a more balanced and effective offensive scheme that can adapt to any defense they face. Sarkisian’s offensive prowess was one of the main reasons he was brought to Austin, and it’s time for him to live up to that reputation. For the Longhorns to become championship contenders, Sarkisian must ensure that the offense can score efficiently and sustain drives, regardless of the opponent. This means better game planning, improved offensive line play, and a more dynamic passing attack.
A significant part of that offensive identity will hinge on the development of Quinn Ewers, the talented quarterback who Sarkisian has been tasked with developing into one of the nation’s best. Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency and decision-making at times. Sarkisian needs to help him fine-tune his mechanics, improve his field awareness, and maintain a level of calm under pressure.
2. Recruiting Elite Talent and Depth
Sarkisian’s first two years at Texas have been marked by solid recruiting efforts, but the Longhorns are still a step behind some of the nation’s top programs in terms of depth and talent at certain positions. One of the most pressing needs for Sarkisian is to continue bringing in elite recruiting classes, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
While Texas has had success with key players like Jerrin Thompson and Keondre Coburn, they still lag behind other top-tier programs in terms of overall depth. Defensively, Texas needs to bring in game-changers who can impact games from the first snap, particularly in the trenches where the competition in the Big 12 is fierce. The Longhorns’ ability to win battles at the line of scrimmage, both offensively and defensively, will determine how well they compete for championships.
Furthermore, Sarkisian needs to ensure that the players already in the program are developed to their fullest potential. It’s not just about signing the top players; it’s about maximizing the potential of the talent already in place. This requires fine-tuning the development systems and ensuring that the program’s infrastructure is fully aligned with the demands of the college football landscape.
3. A Stronger Defensive Identity
While Texas has made strides on offense, the defense remains an area of concern. The Longhorns have often been inconsistent in their ability to stop opposing offenses, especially when facing high-powered teams. Sarkisian must ensure that his defensive staff is on the same page, developing a clear, aggressive game plan that maximizes the players’ strengths. Whether it’s bringing more pressure up front, improving coverage in the secondary, or creating more turnovers, Texas needs a defense that can stand toe-to-toe with elite offenses.
Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, who has a strong defensive pedigree, has yet to completely implement his vision for the program, but his schemes need to be more effective and disruptive. Texas has the potential to build a defense capable of competing with the best in the country, but it will take time for that unit to gel and for Sarkisian to fully align the entire team under a cohesive defensive identity.
4. Adjusting in High-Pressure Situations
Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas has been marked by some puzzling decisions and moments of failure in high-pressure games. While he has displayed a brilliant offensive mind, his teams have sometimes faltered in key moments, particularly in the biggest games of the season. For Texas to compete at the highest level, Sarkisian must improve in-game adjustments, particularly when facing adversity.
Too often, the Longhorns have struggled with game management and maintaining control during crucial stretches of the game. Whether it’s clock management, making the right personnel decisions, or finding a way to rally after a setback, Sarkisian must prove that he can make the right calls in the heat of battle.
This will be especially important with Quinn Ewers at quarterback. The young quarterback will need leadership and calm under pressure from his coaching staff, especially when the game is on the line. Sarkisian needs to ensure that his players are mentally prepared for the rigors of a full season and can execute in critical moments.
5. Defending Quinn Ewers’ Legacy: A Quarterback with Potential
One of the most significant storylines surrounding Texas football heading into 2025 is the development of Quinn Ewers, the highly touted quarterback who transferred to Texas from Ohio State. Ewers, with his arm strength and natural talent, came to Texas with massive expectations. However, his time in Austin has been marked by both promise and inconsistency.
In his first full season as the starter, Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, leading Texas to big wins and showcasing his ability to make big throws. However, he has also had moments where he struggled with decision-making and execution, leaving fans and analysts wondering whether he can become the star that many expected him to be.
Despite these ups and downs, it’s essential that Sarkisian defends Ewers’ legacy and continues to invest in his development. Ewers is a talented quarterback with a bright future, but he needs the proper guidance and mentorship to fulfill his potential. Sarkisian, who has a history of developing quarterbacks, is the ideal coach to help Ewers refine his skills and mature as a leader on the field.
Ewers has all the physical tools needed to succeed at the college level, but like many young quarterbacks, he must learn to read defenses, adjust to different game situations, and find consistency in his play. Sarkisian must be patient and provide the support Ewers needs to grow into the leader that Texas needs in the coming seasons.
