Where to place the Longhorns following a memorable season and the reasons UT acted quickly to retain Steve Sarkisian
Where to Place the Longhorns Following a Memorable Season and the Reasons UT Acted Quickly to Retain Steve Sarkisian
The Texas Longhorns football program has long been one of the most prestigious and storied teams in college football, with a history that includes National Championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and a tradition of producing NFL talent. After a challenging period of transitions and rebuilding, the Longhorns are beginning to show significant signs of revival under head coach Steve Sarkisian, making it clear that Texas football is heading in the right direction. After a memorable 2024 season, UT’s decision to act quickly and retain Sarkisian is a clear signal that the program believes in his vision and leadership for the future.
In this article, we’ll explore where the Texas Longhorns should be ranked following their 2024 season, as well as the reasons why UT acted swiftly to keep Steve Sarkisian at the helm of the program. We’ll also take a look at the factors that have contributed to the program’s resurgence under his leadership and what Texas fans can expect moving forward.
A Memorable 2024 Season: Signs of a Resurgence
The 2024 season was a turning point for the Texas Longhorns. After a relatively up-and-down start to Sarkisian’s tenure that included a few tough losses and growing pains, Texas took a major step forward, showing improvement in key areas such as offensive execution, defense, and overall team chemistry. The Longhorns finished with an impressive 11-2 record and were ranked in the Top 10 nationally, securing a Big 12 Championship appearance and a New Year’s Six bowl game berth.
The 2024 season was a testament to the growth and development of the Texas program, and it marked the first time in several years that the Longhorns were able to consistently compete at a high level. The offense was dynamic, led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, and the defense was vastly improved under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. Texas was able to show that it could compete with the elite teams in the country, including a thrilling victory over Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown, which reinforced the program’s potential to contend for a national title in the near future.
One of the most notable elements of the 2024 season was the performance of Sarkisian’s offense, which was finally beginning to reflect the vision he had for the program. With Ewers under center, Xavier Worthy as a deep threat, and a solid offensive line, the Longhorns were able to produce consistent scoring and move the ball with efficiency. The running game, led by Jonathon Brooks and a talented stable of backs, was also a major asset for the Longhorns, allowing them to control the clock and balance their offense.
Defensively, the Longhorns were much improved in 2024. After struggles in previous seasons, Texas’ defense took a step forward, especially in key games. Jerrin Thompson and Jaylan Ford became leaders on the defensive side of the ball, providing stability and playmaking ability. The defensive line showed flashes of dominance, and Texas’ secondary, once considered a weak link, became much more reliable.
The culmination of these efforts was a strong finish to the season, capped off by a big bowl victory. The Longhorns showed they were more than just a team with promise; they were a team capable of competing with the best in the country. This success put Sarkisian in a prime position for the future, and it solidified the Texas program as a legitimate contender once again.
Where Should Texas Be Ranked in 2025?
Given the impressive 2024 season and the trajectory the program is on under Steve Sarkisian, Texas should be ranked among the Top 10 teams in the country heading into the 2025 season. This ranking would reflect both their success in 2024 and the significant potential that lies ahead, especially with a strong returning roster and a coaching staff that has demonstrated the ability to develop talent and implement effective schemes.
Texas’ offense is expected to remain one of the most potent in college football, and with Ewers returning for another year, the Longhorns should be able to build on their success. Xavier Worthy and other key offensive playmakers will provide a strong foundation for the offense, while the addition of talented recruits and continued development in the offensive line should only improve their overall effectiveness.
Defensively, while there will be some key departures, Texas has a solid foundation in place with players like Thompson, Ford, and a talented incoming recruiting class. With the defensive coaching staff continuing to refine their schemes, the Longhorns should be able to remain competitive on that side of the ball, making it difficult for opposing teams to match up against them.
Considering all of this, Texas should be placed somewhere in the No. 6-10 range in preseason rankings, which would put them in strong contention for a College Football Playoff berth, assuming they can build on their momentum from 2024. With continued development and strong performances in key games, Texas could easily climb even higher as the season progresses.
Why Texas Acted Quickly to Retain Steve Sarkisian
The decision to retain Steve Sarkisian as head coach after the 2024 season was a critical move by the University of Texas. After years of instability and coaching changes, it was clear that the program needed stability, direction, and a leader who could build something sustainable. The success of the 2024 season, coupled with Sarkisian’s ability to recruit, develop players, and implement a winning culture, made it clear that he was the right person to lead the program into the future.
UT’s administration acted quickly and decisively after the season ended, ensuring that Sarkisian would remain in place for the foreseeable future. There are several reasons why this move made sense for Texas:
- Sarkisian’s Offensive Mindset: One of the most obvious reasons Texas acted quickly to retain Sarkisian is his reputation as an offensive mastermind. His schemes have proven to be successful in college football, as evidenced by the 2024 season. Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers and utilize playmakers like Xavier Worthy has shown that he can produce elite offenses. Texas’ offense was one of the most explosive in the Big 12 in 2024, and with Sarkisian at the helm, the Longhorns are poised to maintain that success moving forward.
- Recruiting Success: Sarkisian has proven to be an elite recruiter, and his recruiting efforts have significantly elevated Texas’ talent pool. The Longhorns have been able to attract some of the best high school players in the country, and Sarkisian’s ability to identify and develop talent has been a key factor in Texas’ resurgence. The future of the program looks bright with Sarkisian leading the charge on the recruiting trail.
- Stability and Continuity: After years of instability and coaching changes, Texas needed a sense of continuity. Sarkisian has shown that he can lead the team in the right direction, and keeping him on board ensures that the Longhorns can build on the progress they’ve made. The 2024 season was a sign of things to come, and with Sarkisian in charge, the program has a clear vision for the future.
- Long-Term Vision: Sarkisian is not just a coach for the short term. He has a long-term vision for Texas football, and his plan for building a sustained winner is beginning to take shape. His ability to develop players, recruit talent, and implement his system gives the Longhorns the foundation they need to become a perennial contender.
- Support from Players: Perhaps one of the most important factors in Texas’ decision to retain Sarkisian was the strong support he has received from his players. Many key members of the team, including Quinn Ewers and Xavier Worthy, have praised Sarkisian’s leadership and ability to develop them as players. This strong relationship with his players is a testament to the positive culture he has fostered within the program.
Looking Ahead: Texas’ Path to National Contention
With Steve Sarkisian at the helm, Texas is on the rise once again, and the future looks incredibly promising. The Longhorns are positioned to be a national contender in 2025 and beyond. While challenges will always arise in college football, especially in a competitive landscape like the Big 12 and the College Football Playoff, the Longhorns now have a clear vision for success.
In 2025, expect to see continued improvement on both sides of the ball, with Texas aiming for a Big 12 Championship and potentially a spot in the College Football Playoff. As long as Sarkisian can maintain the offensive prowess he’s built and continue to recruit at a high level, Texas football is destined for greatness once again.
