Where to place the Longhorns following a memorable season and the reasons UT acted quickly to retain Steve Sarkisian

The Texas Longhorns have always been a program with high expectations, and after a memorable 2024 season, the conversation surrounding their place in college football is louder than ever. After a season that marked substantial growth and development, the question on the minds of Longhorns fans, analysts, and rivals alike is simple: Where should Texas be ranked heading into the next season? The resounding answer, though debated in some corners, is that Texas belongs among the nation’s elite programs. But more than just ranking the Longhorns, one key factor has dominated the offseason narrative: Steve Sarkisian’s future as head coach.

In the aftermath of a season that exceeded expectations but still fell short of a championship, University of Texas officials acted swiftly to lock down Steve Sarkisian as the long-term leader of their football program. This quick decision was not just a reflection of a strong season, but also a commitment to continuity and stability, both of which are paramount in a college football landscape where coaching turnover can drastically alter a program’s trajectory. In this piece, we’ll explore the key elements that contributed to Texas’ memorable 2024 season, why the school moved quickly to retain Sarkisian, and where Texas should place in national rankings as the 2025 season approaches.

The Memorable 2024 Season: A Step Toward Relevancy

The 2024 season for the Texas Longhorns was one of marked improvement, but with plenty of room left for growth. After a rough 2023 campaign where inconsistency and missed opportunities kept the Longhorns from truly competing for a Big 12 title or College Football Playoff berth, 2024 was a year of progress. The Longhorns finished the season with an impressive 9-3 record, narrowly missing out on a chance to compete for a national title. More importantly, Sarkisian’s team proved that they were capable of competing at the highest level, particularly with their huge wins over Oklahoma and Kansas State in the Big 12 Conference.

Key Factors in Texas’ 2024 Success

Several factors contributed to Texas’ marked improvement in 2024, and many of these factors were pivotal in the school’s decision to retain Sarkisian moving forward.

1. Quarterback Development:
   • At the heart of Texas’ offensive resurgence was the continued development of Quinn Ewers, the quarterback who arrived at Texas with a great deal of hype. Ewers showed glimpses of brilliance, especially in key moments, but it was his growth and consistency throughout the season that truly made the difference. Under Sarkisian’s tutelage, Ewers developed into one of the most effective quarterbacks in the Big 12, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns.
   • Ewers’ evolution into a more confident, poised leader of the offense was one of the key drivers behind Texas’ success in 2024. His performances in crucial games, such as the victory over Oklahoma, solidified his status as a legitimate NFL Draft prospect.
2. The Offensive Line:
   • One of the major criticisms of Texas football in recent years had been its lack of dominance in the trenches. However, in 2024, Sarkisian’s coaching staff worked to improve the offensive line, and the results were immediately noticeable. The Longhorns were able to establish a balanced offensive attack, which allowed them to move the ball both through the air and on the ground.
   • The line play was vital in securing key wins, as it not only provided Ewers with time in the pocket, but it also created gaps for Texas’ talented stable of running backs. Bijan Robinson’s departure to the NFL left a void, but the running back committee, led by Jonathon Brooks, was able to consistently produce on the ground.
3. Defensive Improvement:
   • The Texas defense, historically a source of frustration for Longhorns fans, made significant strides under Pete Kwiatkowski, who continued to implement a scheme that emphasized pressure and ball-hawking. Players like Jerrin Thompson and T’Vondre Sweat became leaders on the defense, improving in both run defense and pass rush.
   • Texas allowed fewer points than in previous years, and their ability to generate turnovers was crucial in winning tight games. The defense, once a liability, had become one of the strengths of the team in 2024.
4. Coaching Stability:
   • The most significant aspect of Texas’ success in 2024 was the consistent leadership of Steve Sarkisian. Despite some early skepticism following a rocky start to his tenure, Sarkisian’s leadership was evident throughout the season. His ability to adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of his roster—both offensively and defensively—proved that he was capable of making Texas a contender.
   • Sarkisian’s commitment to player development, recruiting, and overall team culture shone through in Texas’ performance, which helped give the program the confidence they would need moving forward.

Texas’ Place in the National Landscape: Top 10 in 2025?

After a season of growth and promise, many college football analysts and fans are placing Texas firmly in the top 10 of national rankings heading into 2025. The Longhorns showed their ability to compete with the best teams in the country, even if they were not quite able to make the jump into the College Football Playoff in 2024. Still, Texas is seen as a program on the rise, and the core pieces they’ve built will provide a solid foundation for 2025 and beyond.

Why Texas Should Be in the Top 10 for 2025:

1. Continued Growth at Quarterback:
   • Ewers is expected to take another major step forward in 2025. With a year of experience in Sarkisian’s system, Ewers will likely become more consistent and refined, allowing the Longhorns to play with the kind of offensive explosiveness they’ve lacked in years past. Ewers is expected to contend for a Heisman Trophy, which will only boost Texas’ national profile.
2. Elite Recruiting:
   • One of the most important factors that makes Texas a top contender in the years ahead is its recruiting efforts. Sarkisian and his staff have brought in one of the best recruiting classes in the country, and the Longhorns’ 2025 class is expected to be another top 5 class. With the infusion of top talent at every position, Texas’ overall roster depth will make them a force to be reckoned with.
3. The SEC Transition:
   • In 2025, Texas will officially join the SEC, a move that brings both excitement and challenges. The new conference alignment will provide both hurdles and opportunities for Texas. While the SEC is known for its competitive nature, Texas has the necessary talent and coaching to compete with some of the best teams in the nation. The addition of Texas to the SEC could potentially elevate the conference even further, making Texas a key player in the playoff race.
4. The Coaching Factor:
   • The retention of Sarkisian signals stability and confidence from the Texas athletic department. Sarkisian has not only recruited well, but he has also developed a philosophy that is built for success in the SEC. His expertise, particularly in developing offensive talent, will keep Texas in the hunt for conference championships and playoff berths.
5. Culture of Winning:
   • Texas is a program rich in history, and the combination of Sarkisian’s leadership, the players’ trust in the system, and the growing commitment to excellence will make Texas a consistent national contender. While 2024 was a breakthrough season, it marked just the beginning of what could be an even more successful stretch for the Longhorns in 2025 and beyond.

Why Texas Acted Quickly to Retain Sarkisian

Given the promising direction Texas is heading, it comes as no surprise that the administration acted quickly to secure Steve Sarkisian’s future at Texas. There are several reasons why Texas decided to retain Sarkisian after the 2024 season, and the university’s commitment to long-term success was the driving force behind the decision.

1. Sustaining Momentum:
   • After a strong 2024 season, the last thing Texas wanted was to lose momentum and risk having to go through another coaching search. Sarkisian had already proven that he could develop the program, and Texas was eager to build on the foundation he laid in his first few seasons.
2. A Clear Vision:
   • Sarkisian’s approach to Texas football is methodical, and his long-term vision for the program aligns with the school’s goals. The decision to lock him down early was made to prevent any distractions or outside rumors from affecting the program as it moves forward.
3. Recruiting Stability:
   • One of the most important factors in securing a program’s success is its ability to recruit, and Sarkisian has done just that. By retaining him, Texas ensures that their elite recruiting efforts won’t be derailed by uncertainty surrounding the head coach position. With Sarkisian at the helm, Texas can continue to bring in top talent from across the country.
4. Building a Legacy:
   • Texas wants to establish a winning legacy, and retaining Sarkisian ensures continuity. The Longhorns’ move to the SEC will present challenges, but having a stable, capable leader in place is key to navigating those challenges successfully.

 The Longhorns’ Bright Future

The Texas Longhorns are poised for greatness, and their place in the national rankings heading into the 2025 season should reflect the promise and talent on their roster. With Sarkisian at the helm, Quinn Ewers continuing to grow, and a defense that is only getting stronger, Texas has the pieces necessary to compete with the best. By acting quickly to retain Sarkisian, the University of Texas has solidified the foundation for sustained success, setting the stage for a new era of dominance in college football.