Steve Sarkisian and the Path to Texas’ First National Championship in 2025

In the world of college football, few teams carry the legacy and history that the University of Texas does. With a rich tradition, countless Hall of Fame players, and a rabid fan base, Texas is often seen as one of the sport’s elite programs. Yet, despite the immense potential and wealth of talent, the Longhorns have not captured a national championship since 2005. In 2025, however, there’s renewed hope in Austin. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns are predicted by USA TODAY Sports to finally break through and win their first national title in nearly two decades.

Steve Sarkisian: A Coach on the Rise

To understand why the Longhorns might finally win a national title in 2025, it’s essential to understand the man leading the charge: Steve Sarkisian. Known for his innovative offensive schemes and ability to develop quarterbacks, Sarkisian took over the Texas program in 2021 after the tenure of Tom Herman ended in relative disappointment.

Sarkisian’s coaching career spans several top-tier programs, with notable stints as an offensive coordinator at Washington, USC, and Alabama. His work under Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa stands out as a major part of his development as a coach. Sarkisian learned from the best in the business, helping to lead Alabama’s high-powered offense that was a major factor in their dominance during the 2020 season, culminating in a national championship.

Arriving at Texas, Sarkisian had big shoes to fill. Herman, despite his success in recruiting, failed to win a Big 12 title or lead the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff (CFP). The expectations for Sarkisian were lofty from the moment he stepped into the position. The 2021 and 2022 seasons saw some growing pains, but Sarkisian’s ability to recruit and his overall coaching philosophy began to take root.

The State of the Texas Longhorns Program

Texas, despite its recent struggles, has never lacked for talent. The Longhorns consistently recruit some of the top high school prospects in the nation. However, there’s always been a sense that the program had yet to unlock its full potential. Much of this has to do with internal challenges, such as leadership turnover, lack of continuity, and inconsistent play. But with Sarkisian, there seems to be a steady hand guiding the ship, and the results are beginning to reflect that.

One of the most important areas that Sarkisian has focused on is developing the quarterback position. This is a crucial aspect of college football, where elite quarterbacks often make the difference between a good season and a championship run. Under his tutelage, Sarkisian has turned Texas into a destination for top quarterback prospects.

Quinn Ewers is one of the prime examples of Sarkisian’s quarterback development. The former five-star recruit transferred to Texas from Ohio State, and under Sarkisian’s guidance, he’s developed into one of the top signal-callers in the country. Ewers’ combination of size, arm strength, and mobility makes him an ideal fit for Sarkisian’s offense, which revolves around a strong passing attack with deep threats and an ability to stretch the field.

Beyond Ewers, Texas has built a dynamic offense. Players like Bijan Robinson (though now heading to the NFL) and Xavier Worthy have become stars under Sarkisian’s system. Robinson, one of the top running backs in the country, was a workhorse for the Longhorns, and his ability to run between the tackles as well as catch passes out of the backfield created a dual-threat dynamic that defenses struggled to contain. Even though Robinson is leaving, the pipeline of talent at the running back position remains strong for Texas.

The Longhorns have also built up an impressive offensive line, which has long been one of the team’s weaknesses. Sarkisian has brought in several key recruits to bolster the line and provide protection for Ewers and the run game. This is important for Texas’ national title aspirations, as championship-level teams often feature strong offensive lines that can control the line of scrimmage.

On defense, Texas has continued to improve. While they were not consistently elite in 2021 and 2022, Sarkisian has managed to bring in top-tier defensive recruits who have shown significant improvement under his coaching staff. Players like Jerrin Thompson and Jaylan Ford have emerged as key playmakers on the defensive side of the ball, and the overall defense is trending in the right direction as they head into the 2025 season.

The 2025 National Championship: What Makes Texas a Contender?

Heading into the 2025 season, Texas has a multitude of factors that could propel them to the top of the college football world. Here are some of the main reasons why USA TODAY Sports predicts that Sarkisian’s Longhorns could finally win a national championship:

1. Elite Recruiting Classes

One of the key factors that give Texas a strong chance in 2025 is their ability to recruit top talent. Sarkisian has established Texas as one of the premier destinations for high school athletes. Texas has consistently landed top-five recruiting classes, and with several young stars already on the roster, the program has depth at nearly every position.

The 2025 recruiting class is expected to be another strong one, with Texas continuing to bring in elite players, especially along the offensive and defensive lines. This depth will prove critical in a season where injuries and attrition are common.

2. A High-Powered Offense

Sarkisian’s offense is tailored to take advantage of the best talent on the field. His ability to create mismatches and spread defenses thin is one of the reasons his teams at Alabama were so successful. With a quarterback like Quinn Ewers, who is expected to be in his prime, Texas will have one of the best offenses in the country.

In 2025, Texas is projected to have one of the most balanced and high-powered offenses in the nation. The return of playmakers and an upgraded offensive line will allow Sarkisian to run his preferred style of offense, which revolves around quick strikes, explosive plays, and a strong play-action game.

3. Improved Defense

While the offense may get the headlines, Texas’ defense has quietly been improving under Sarkisian’s staff. Heading into 2025, they will have a defense that is capable of stopping elite teams and making key plays in clutch moments. The defense’s ability to hold up in big games will be critical when facing the likes of Oklahoma, Alabama, and other top-tier teams.

4. The Growth of Quinn Ewers

As mentioned earlier, Quinn Ewers is a quarterback with a ton of potential. After a year of development and under the tutelage of Sarkisian, he is poised to lead the Longhorns to a successful season. With a strong arm, mobility, and the ability to read defenses, Ewers can be the difference-maker Texas needs to push them to a national title. The 2025 season could be the year he establishes himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country.

5. A Favorable Schedule

Another important aspect is Texas’ schedule. With the Longhorns entering the final years of the Big 12 before transitioning to the SEC, 2025 could be one of their last opportunities to win a national title in their current conference. While the Big 12 is still competitive, the Longhorns’ path to a playoff berth might be more manageable than it will be in the SEC, where competition will be tougher. A strong regular-season record will give Texas the best chance to secure a playoff spot.

The Competition: Who Stands in Texas’ Way?

No national championship run is complete without facing tough competition, and in 2025, Texas will not lack for challengers. Here are a few of the teams that could stand in their way:

1. Alabama

Under Nick Saban, Alabama is always a top contender for the national title. With their elite recruiting classes and dominant defense, they will be a formidable opponent for Texas, especially if the two teams meet in the College Football Playoff.

2. Georgia

Kirby Smart has transformed Georgia into a powerhouse, and they are expected to be a top contender for the 2025 national championship. The Bulldogs boast one of the best defenses in the country and a balanced offensive attack.

3. Ohio State

Ohio State has been a constant contender in recent years. With the strong development of their offense and an improving defense, the Buckeyes will be a team to watch in 2025.

4. Clemson

Though they’ve had some ups and downs in recent seasons, Clemson is still a program with immense talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Texas will need to be ready if they encounter the Tigers in a high-stakes playoff game.

The Road to the 2025 National Championship

The 2025 season will be one of high expectations for the Texas Longhorns. With Sarkisian’s leadership, a talented roster, and a clear path to the CFP, the Longhorns will have everything they need to compete for the national title.

For Steve Sarkisian, 2025 could be the culmination of years of hard work, bringing Texas back to its rightful place among college football’s elite. Should the Longhorns claim the national championship, it would signal not just the end of a two-decade drought but also the rebirth of a powerhouse that once defined the sport.

With the right combination of leadership, talent, and determination, the Texas Longhorns under Steve Sarkisian could indeed make 2025 their year and finally win that elusive national title.