The Longhorns increased Steve Sarkisian’s pay while also acquiring Brandon Harris, a crucial prospect.

In recent years, the Texas Longhorns football program has seen a significant resurgence under head coach Steve Sarkisian. From improving team performance to increasing recruiting success, the program has been on a mission to return to its elite status within college football. One of the major moves that reflects this ambition is the decision to increase Steve Sarkisian’s pay, solidifying his position as the leader of the program for the long-term future. Alongside this coaching development, the Longhorns have also secured the commitment of Brandon Harris, a crucial prospect whose addition further strengthens the team’s roster.

This dual focus on both retaining Sarkisian and landing top-tier talent like Harris underscores the commitment of Texas to competing for championships in the modern college football landscape. With college football constantly evolving, the Longhorns are making strategic decisions to position themselves as contenders in the highly competitive world of the Power 5 conferences, particularly as they prepare for their move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the coming years.

Let’s delve deeper into both the contract extension for Sarkisian and the acquisition of Harris, exploring how these developments set the stage for Texas to take the next step toward national prominence.

Steve Sarkisian’s Pay Increase: Securing Stability and Leadership

One of the most notable moves by the Texas Longhorns in recent months has been the decision to increase Steve Sarkisian’s salary. Sarkisian, who took over as head coach in 2021, inherited a program that had experienced significant struggles in recent years. While the expectations were high, Sarkisian faced challenges in rebuilding the team, establishing his culture, and reestablishing Texas as a perennial contender.

Despite the ups and downs of his early tenure, there were several key signs that indicated Sarkisian was the right man for the job. His offensive acumen and ability to recruit at an elite level were immediately apparent. As a former offensive coordinator at both Alabama and USC, Sarkisian had a proven track record of developing quarterbacks and wide receivers, two positions that are vital to success in modern college football. Under his leadership, the Longhorns have begun to show flashes of their former glory, culminating in strong recruiting classes and improvements on both sides of the ball.

The Importance of Stability

By increasing Sarkisian’s pay, Texas sends a clear message to both the coaching staff and the recruiting community that Sarkisian’s leadership is valued and that the Longhorns are committed to building something sustainable over the long term. College football programs need stability at the head coach position to consistently compete at the highest level, and the Longhorns are betting on Sarkisian to deliver that stability. The decision to increase his pay also reflects the university’s confidence in his ability to continue recruiting top-tier talent, developing players, and competing for championships.

One of the key challenges in college football is the constant turnover at the coaching position. Many top-tier programs have experienced significant turnover in recent years, often in search of the right fit. The Texas Longhorns, however, have made it clear that they believe in Sarkisian’s vision for the program. This move ensures that Sarkisian will be around for the long haul, allowing him to continue building on the foundation he has laid so far.

Recruiting Impact

Another important element to consider with Sarkisian’s pay increase is its potential impact on recruiting. High-profile recruits are often attracted to stable, successful programs with a strong leadership structure. By locking in Sarkisian for the long term, Texas is sending a message to recruits that the program is in good hands and that they will be part of a long-term plan for success. Sarkisian’s proven ability to recruit at the highest level has been instrumental in Texas’ recent success on the recruiting trail. His success in landing elite quarterbacks and wide receivers is already beginning to pay off, and the decision to increase his salary should only enhance his ability to continue attracting top talent.

One of the most significant elements of recruiting is the relationship that a coach can build with players, and the stability that comes from an extended contract allows Sarkisian to foster those relationships over several years. This ensures that Texas will continue to be a destination for the nation’s best high school prospects.

Brandon Harris: A Key Prospect for the Longhorns

Alongside the contract extension for Sarkisian, the Longhorns have also made a significant splash in the recruiting world with the acquisition of Brandon Harris, a highly coveted prospect. Harris, who is widely regarded as one of the top recruits in the 2025 class, has committed to Texas, giving the program another top-tier player to build around.

Harris is an explosive athlete who has the ability to change the course of a game with his playmaking ability. His combination of speed, vision, and agility makes him a perfect fit for the Texas offense. Whether he lines up as a wide receiver or in other skill positions, Harris’ versatility and talent allow him to create mismatches for opposing defenses. He is a dynamic playmaker who can contribute both in the passing game and as a ball-carrier, making him a multifaceted weapon for Sarkisian to utilize.

Harris’ Skill Set and Fit in Texas’ Offense

At 6’2” and 210 pounds, Harris possesses an ideal combination of size and athleticism that allows him to be a threat at multiple positions. As a wide receiver, he has the ability to stretch the field with his deep routes, but he also excels in the short to intermediate passing game, where his quickness and route-running ability allow him to create separation from defenders. Harris has also shown the ability to make defenders miss in the open field, which is critical in Sarkisian’s offense, where playmakers are often tasked with turning short gains into big plays.

In addition to his skills as a receiver, Harris is an exceptional ball carrier. He has the vision and patience to navigate through traffic, combined with the speed and power to break off long runs. His ability to line up in the backfield or as a receiver out of the slot makes him a versatile weapon that will be difficult for opposing defenses to match up with. Sarkisian’s system, which emphasizes utilizing all of a player’s skills, is the perfect fit for Harris’ multifaceted game.

One of the things that sets Harris apart from other recruits is his maturity and understanding of the game. He is not just a physical specimen; he is also a student of the game who understands how to read defenses and exploit weaknesses. This football IQ will allow him to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.

The Recruiting Landscape

Harris’ commitment to Texas is a huge win for the Longhorns in their ongoing effort to build a championship-caliber roster. The addition of a talent like Harris further strengthens an already impressive recruiting class, which includes several high-profile players across multiple positions. With a coaching staff that has demonstrated the ability to develop top-tier talent, Harris will have every opportunity to reach his full potential at Texas.

The addition of Harris also has significant implications for Texas’ ability to recruit other high-profile players. Top recruits often look for programs that are landing elite talent, as this creates the opportunity to compete for championships and develop alongside other high-level players. Harris’ commitment is likely to create a domino effect, attracting more elite recruits to Texas who see the Longhorns as a team on the rise with the potential to challenge for national championships in the near future.

The Big 12 and SEC Transition: Why These Moves Matter

The Texas Longhorns’ decision to increase Sarkisian’s pay and land a key prospect like Brandon Harris is especially significant as the program prepares for its transition from the Big 12 to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The SEC is widely regarded as the most competitive and physically demanding conference in college football, and Texas will need to be fully prepared for the heightened competition.

With Sarkisian now secured for the long term, the Longhorns have a steady hand at the helm as they enter a new era of SEC football. His offensive system, which has already shown promise in the Big 12, will need to evolve to compete against the elite defenses and programs that dominate the SEC. However, having a strong recruiting base and a coach with a proven track record of developing offensive talent will give Texas a strong foundation moving forward.

The addition of Harris further enhances Texas’ roster, giving them a dynamic playmaker who can contribute immediately at the next level. The ability to attract and develop players like Harris will be crucial for Texas as they navigate the transition to the SEC and seek to establish themselves as a national power.