Where to Rank the Longhorns After a Season to Remember and Why UT Moved Fast to Keep Steve Sarkisian
As college football programs across the nation reflect on their performances, few teams made as much noise as the Texas Longhorns in the 2024 season. After years of inconsistent play and rebuilding, the Longhorns took a massive step forward, showing that they were finally poised to compete for national championships once again. The 2024 season was a turning point, a year that Texas fans had hoped for, one where the program proved that it could rise to the level of other perennial college football powerhouses.
Not only did the team show resilience, but Steve Sarkisian, in his third year as head coach, demonstrated that he could lead the Longhorns to success. From the high-flying offense to a much-improved defense, Texas delivered one of the most memorable seasons in recent history. As the 2025 season approaches, Texas’ place in the national rankings becomes a topic of debate. Given their impressive 2024 campaign, the Longhorns are undoubtedly among the top teams in the country, but where exactly should they be ranked?
This article will dive into the debate over where Texas should be ranked in the 2025 preseason polls, analyze the factors that contributed to their successful season, and explain why the Longhorns’ administration moved quickly to lock down Sarkisian’s future in Austin.
A Season to Remember: Texas’ Rise in 2024
The Texas Longhorns’ 2024 season was one of rejuvenation. Under the leadership of Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns displayed a level of consistency and execution that had been sorely lacking in previous seasons. There were several key moments throughout the year that made the season unforgettable and showcased the growth of the program.
1. Offensive Explosion Under Quinn Ewers
Much of Texas’ success in 2024 revolved around the development of quarterback Quinn Ewers. After a mixed start to his career, Ewers elevated his play and proved himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. Ewers’ accuracy, arm strength, and poise in high-pressure situations were pivotal to Texas’ offensive surge. He led the offense with a calm demeanor, making critical throws and managing the game efficiently.
Perhaps most impressive was his ability to lead Texas to victories in tough environments. Ewers’ development under Sarkisian’s coaching made the Longhorns’ offense one of the most potent in the Big 12, and even against some of the toughest defenses in the country, Ewers demonstrated he could make all the throws necessary to win big games. His performance in Texas’ pivotal games, particularly against conference rivals, showed that the Longhorns had a quarterback capable of leading them into the future.
Alongside Ewers, the Texas offense benefited from a balanced attack that utilized both the passing and running games effectively. Bijan Robinson’s departure left a void at running back, but the Longhorns were able to rely on younger talents who stepped up, such as Jonathon Brooks and Keilan Robinson. These backs provided solid contributions and helped the offense maintain a well-rounded, unpredictable attack.
2. Defensive Resurgence
Another major development in 2024 was the improvement on the defensive side of the ball. Texas had struggled defensively for years, often failing to stop high-powered offenses and allowing big plays. However, in 2024, the defense took a massive step forward, thanks to the efforts of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski and his staff.
The defensive line, led by standout players like T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy, was one of the most disruptive in the Big 12. They generated pressure on quarterbacks, forcing them to make rushed decisions and creating turnovers. Texas also had a strong secondary, led by Jalen Catalon, who provided stability and ball-hawking abilities in the back end. The Longhorns’ defense became known for being opportunistic and aggressive, which allowed the team to win the field position battle and keep opposing offenses off balance.
Against some of the toughest offenses in the country, the Texas defense held its ground and gave the offense the opportunity to succeed. The ability to make key stops at critical moments—such as late-game stops against ranked teams—was a massive reason why Texas was able to secure pivotal wins during the season. The Longhorns’ improved defense not only shut down opposing offenses but also helped shift the momentum of several games in Texas’ favor.
3. High-Profile Wins and National Relevance
One of the most important aspects of Texas’ 2024 season was the impact it had on the national stage. The Longhorns were not just competitive within the Big 12—they were consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation. A few key victories solidified Texas’ place as a top-tier program in college football.
The Longhorns’ victory over Alabama on the road was particularly impressive, as it demonstrated that Texas could compete with and defeat one of the most dominant programs in college football history. The win gave the Longhorns credibility and placed them in the national spotlight as a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff. Additionally, Texas secured victories over rival Oklahoma and Kansas State, both of which were critical for their standing in the Big 12 and their hopes for a major bowl game.
While Texas ultimately fell short of a playoff berth, their season was still one of significant progress, and the Longhorns were in the conversation for the national title until the very end. This newfound relevancy was proof that Sarkisian had successfully turned the program around and put it on the path to championship contention.
Ranking the Longhorns for 2025: Where Should They Land?
Given Texas’ impressive 2024 campaign, the question of where to rank the Longhorns in the 2025 preseason polls is one that will generate plenty of debate. Based on their performance in 2024, their talent level heading into the 2025 season, and the expectations surrounding the program, the Longhorns deserve a spot in the top 10, potentially even in the top 5.
Why Texas Deserves to Be in the Top 10
First and foremost, Texas returns a significant amount of talent from its 2024 roster. Quinn Ewers is coming back for another season, and the offensive line is expected to be one of the best in the country. With continued development at quarterback and a stable of talented running backs, Texas’ offense should be even more dynamic in 2025.
Defensively, the Longhorns are poised to maintain their strong performance, thanks to a mix of returning veterans and highly-rated recruits. Players like Jalen Catalon, T’Vondre Sweat, and Byron Murphy will be back, and the overall defensive depth is impressive. With a defense that can pressure the quarterback and limit big plays, Texas is well-positioned to continue being one of the toughest teams to play in the Big 12 and beyond.
In addition, Sarkisian’s ability to recruit at a high level has added depth to the program. The 2025 recruiting class is expected to be one of the best in the nation, with several key players on both sides of the ball coming in to contribute immediately. With Sarkisian’s talent on the recruiting trail and the program’s upward trajectory, Texas will continue to attract top-tier recruits, further bolstering their talent pool.
Potential Top 5 Ranking
It’s not out of the question that Texas could be ranked in the top 5 of preseason rankings heading into 2025. The combination of their 2024 performance, the talent they are bringing back, and the high expectations surrounding the program could very well position them among the nation’s elite teams. If Texas continues its momentum and secures a few big wins early in the season, they could be in the hunt for a College Football Playoff berth, which would only solidify their standing as one of the top programs in the country.
Why Texas Moved Fast to Keep Steve Sarkisian
As Texas looks to build on the success of the 2024 season, it’s clear that Steve Sarkisian is the right coach to lead the program forward. After a strong season and evident progress under his leadership, Texas administrators wasted no time locking down Sarkisian for the long term. The decision to extend his contract was both a reflection of the team’s success and a proactive move to ensure the program remains stable in the face of competition from other top programs.
Sarkisian’s offensive genius has already been evident in his time at Texas, and with his ability to develop quarterbacks and create a dynamic offense, it’s clear that he is a key asset for the program’s future. Additionally, Sarkisian’s work as a recruiter has made a significant impact on the Longhorns’ rise, and his connections to top high school prospects are invaluable as Texas continues to compete with the best in college football.
By securing Sarkisian’s future, Texas ensures that it will maintain consistency and stability as it continues to develop into a national power. The Longhorns have long been a storied program with rich tradition, but with Sarkisian at the helm, they are now poised to challenge for national championships in a way that had eluded them in recent years.
Conclusion
The Texas Longhorns’ 2024 season was one to remember, and as the 2025 season approaches, they find themselves in the midst of a resurgence. The combination of strong offensive play, a revamped defense, and the leadership of Steve Sarkisian has made the Longhorns one of the most promising programs in college football. As a result, Texas is rightfully positioned to be ranked in the top 10 heading into 2025, with some even predicting that they could crack the top 5.
Sarkisian’s extension ensures that Texas will continue on this upward trajectory, and the future looks bright for the Longhorns. As they enter the new year, they will be a team to watch in the College Football Playoff race, and with their talent and coaching, they are ready to return to national prominence. The Longhorns are back, and 2025 could very well be their year to make a serious run at the national title.
Leave a Reply