Despite losing Quinn Ewers to Texas, Steve Sarkisian receives a positive response from fans.

Despite Losing Quinn Ewers to the NFL Draft, Steve Sarkisian Receives Positive Response from Texas Fans

In college football, the departure of a star player—particularly a quarterback—can send shockwaves throughout a program. For Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns, the decision of quarterback Quinn Ewers to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. However, despite the potential void left by Ewers’ departure, Sarkisian has received a largely positive response from fans and analysts, signaling that the program remains on the right track. Texas supporters, long accustomed to the ups and downs of the college football world, seem to believe that the Longhorns’ future remains bright, thanks to Sarkisian’s leadership, recruiting acumen, and the stability he has brought to the program.

In this article, we will explore the reasons why Steve Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas is viewed so positively, even in the face of losing a highly talented player like Quinn Ewers. From Sarkisian’s coaching philosophy to his ability to recruit top talent, we’ll examine the factors contributing to the continued optimism surrounding the program.

1. The Sarkisian Vision and Culture at Texas

One of the primary reasons Steve Sarkisian has garnered positive support from Texas fans is his clear and evolving vision for the program. From the moment he took the helm as head coach in 2021, Sarkisian set out to establish a culture of accountability, discipline, and competition. His leadership philosophy emphasizes creating a strong foundation, focusing not just on immediate results but on the long-term success of the program.

Sarkisian has proven to be a coach who prioritizes building a well-rounded team—fostering talent at all positions and ensuring that Texas has a complete roster. His ability to recruit, especially at the quarterback position, is a testament to this approach. Even as Ewers declares for the NFL Draft, Sarkisian’s vision for the future remains clear: focus on developing quarterbacks and players who can contribute to a competitive, nationally relevant program.

Texas fans have embraced this vision because of Sarkisian’s emphasis on player development and the overall trajectory of the team. His time as an offensive coordinator at both Alabama and USC gave him invaluable experience coaching high-profile quarterbacks, which he has applied to Texas. The foundation he’s laying will continue to pay dividends, whether with future quarterbacks, recruits, or transfers. Sarkisian has shown that his approach is sustainable—long-term success doesn’t rely on one player, but on a team-first mentality.

Moreover, Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy has made a significant impact on the team. His up-tempo, pass-heavy offense has reinvigorated the Texas offense, making it more dynamic and unpredictable. Even without Ewers, the system he has implemented is one that can be effective with different quarterbacks, which is why fans remain optimistic about Texas’ future.

2. Recruiting Success: The Future Looks Bright

Another major factor in the positive response to Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas is his stellar recruiting success. Even with the departure of Ewers, the Longhorns have assembled a roster that is among the most talented in the country, and Sarkisian has been instrumental in bringing in elite players across multiple positions. His recruiting efforts have been nothing short of impressive, and the strength of his 2023 and 2024 recruiting classes demonstrates that the program will continue to be loaded with talent for years to come.

The 2024 recruiting class includes several highly-rated players, including elite wide receivers, defensive stars, and, notably, quarterbacks. Sarkisian has managed to secure commitments from top quarterback prospects like Arch Manning, the highly touted nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning. This commitment is particularly important because it signals that even though Ewers is leaving, Sarkisian has not only secured a talented successor in Manning but has also positioned the program for continued success in the future.

Moreover, Sarkisian’s ability to develop talent has been evident in the way players have improved throughout the season. Texas has seen several under-the-radar players step up and make significant contributions, further enhancing the belief that Sarkisian can develop players into stars, no matter where they are ranked coming out of high school.

With a strong recruiting pipeline, the Longhorns are positioned to compete at the highest level in the Big 12 and beyond. Sarkisian’s focus on building a balanced roster—along with his recruiting strategy—has helped create a long-term blueprint for success, ensuring that Texas can maintain its place as one of the premier programs in college football.

3. The Emergence of Talent Around Ewers

While losing a player like Quinn Ewers to the NFL Draft is undoubtedly a significant loss, Sarkisian’s ability to surround him with talent during his tenure at Texas is another reason fans remain positive. Ewers benefited from the support of a talented receiving corps, including players like Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington, and Troy Omeire, who consistently provided playmaking ability and big-play potential. Additionally, Sarkisian’s ability to build a strong offensive line and running game helped to alleviate the pressure on Ewers, allowing him to showcase his talents without having to shoulder the burden alone.

Even with Ewers gone, the supporting cast that Sarkisian has developed at Texas remains strong. Worthy, Whittington, and several others will return to provide a capable receiving group for Texas’ next quarterback, whether it be Manning, Maalik Murphy, or another future prospect. The continued development of the offensive line and the presence of an effective run game mean that Texas’ offense will remain competitive, regardless of who is under center.

Texas fans also remain confident in Sarkisian’s ability to continue developing talent at every position, meaning that the program will not be reliant on one player but will be capable of adjusting and thriving in the face of change. With strong weapons around the next quarterback, the offense is primed to continue making strides.

4. Building Competitive Depth Across the Roster

One of the hallmarks of Steve Sarkisian’s coaching philosophy is his commitment to creating depth across all positions. While quarterback is the most important position on the field, Sarkisian’s focus on depth has ensured that Texas is not overly reliant on one individual, even one as talented as Ewers.

Sarkisian has built a team that features strong players at key positions, including the defensive line, linebackers, secondary, and special teams. With Texas’ defense continuing to improve under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, the Longhorns have developed into a well-rounded and balanced team that is capable of competing against the best teams in the country. Texas has also added talent in the transfer portal, which has allowed them to plug key holes and bolster areas of need.

For Sarkisian and the Longhorns, the loss of Ewers is not seen as a setback but as a part of the natural progression of a team that is developing championship-level depth. Texas is a program that no longer relies on one superstar player, but rather on a collective effort across all positions. Fans are confident that the foundation Sarkisian has built will continue to be effective in 2025 and beyond, even with the changes at quarterback.

5. The Longhorns’ Competitive Future in the SEC

While the loss of Ewers might feel like a setback, Texas fans also know that the Longhorns are preparing to take the next step as they join the SEC in 2025. This move to the Southeastern Conference will significantly increase the competition level and help elevate Texas’ profile in college football.

For Sarkisian, this transition presents a unique challenge but also an incredible opportunity. As the SEC becomes increasingly stacked with elite teams, Texas will need to continue recruiting at a high level and develop players who can perform under the most intense scrutiny. Sarkisian’s experience at Alabama, where he helped develop the best offense in the country, will serve him well as he leads Texas into the nation’s most competitive conference.

Fans view this move to the SEC as an exciting challenge, and Sarkisian is seen as the right coach to help the Longhorns thrive in the new environment. While it may take time to adjust, Texas’ talented roster and Sarkisian’s track record suggest that the Longhorns will be competitive in the SEC sooner rather than later.