The Texas Longhorns, led by Steve Sarkisian, hit the weight room following a great 2024 season with Arch Manning.

The Texas Longhorns are coming off one of the most successful seasons in recent memory, and after a remarkable run in 2024, Coach Steve Sarkisian and his staff are doubling down on what’s next. With the season fresh in their rearview mirror, the focus has shifted towards building on their momentum for the future, and that means hitting the weight room hard, especially with the arrival of freshman Arch Manning.

In college football, success doesn’t come without significant preparation, and as the Longhorns work to build on their 2024 achievements, strength training and conditioning will be crucial factors in maintaining their competitive edge. The combination of solid performance during the season, the arrival of a high-profile quarterback, and a commitment to building a championship-winning culture all contribute to the focus on physical development.

For the Longhorns, particularly with Sarkisian at the helm, the emphasis has always been on a comprehensive approach to player development. Strength, speed, agility, and mental toughness are all equally important components. And for the 2024 season, the team’s physical development, led by strength coaches and staff, will set the tone for what’s to come in 2025 and beyond.

1. Arch Manning: The Next Big Thing for Texas

The biggest storyline surrounding the Texas Longhorns in 2024 was the arrival of Arch Manning, one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks to ever commit to the school. As the heir to the Manning family legacy, Manning entered the 2024 season with lofty expectations, and he met those expectations with great poise.

Manning’s performance was certainly impressive, as he showcased his ability to manage games, throw precise passes, and take control of the offense. But as with any young quarterback, there are areas that need continued refinement, and that’s where the weight room and offseason training come into play. Despite his already impressive physique and football IQ, Arch Manning still needs to continue building his body to withstand the physical demands of college football and, ultimately, the NFL.

Working with the Longhorns’ strength and conditioning staff, Manning will likely focus on improving his core strength and leg drive to increase his throwing power and overall mobility. The strength program under Sarkisian and strength coach Yancy McKnight is designed to enhance athleticism while preventing injuries, and Manning’s development in the weight room will play a pivotal role in his continued growth as the face of the program.

While Manning’s debut season might have already secured his spot as Texas’ future, there’s no doubt that his development will continue in the offseason. A significant part of this will be building on his frame to ensure that he can endure the physicality of Big 12 defenses.

Manning’s work ethic and drive, paired with the Longhorns’ excellent resources, will make for an ideal combination in the weight room, where every detail counts.

2. Coach Steve Sarkisian’s Vision: Long-Term Success Beyond 2024

Head coach Steve Sarkisian has emphasized building a sustainable, successful program since taking the reins at Texas. One of his primary goals is to not only bring immediate success but also set the stage for long-term success — and that includes the offseason. Sarkisian’s vision for the program focuses on ensuring that players remain healthy, strong, and durable to compete at the highest level throughout the season.

With a high-profile recruit like Manning in the fold, Sarkisian’s role as a leader in guiding the future of the program is crucial. The coach has shown time and time again that his program is not about one-off success stories but about building a system that breeds continual improvement. His coaching staff is committed to preparing players for life after college, with a particular emphasis on player development and the balance between on-field performance and off-field training.

In a conversation about the program’s culture, Sarkisian emphasized the importance of investing in the physical and mental well-being of the players. “This program is not just about winning games in the fall; it’s about preparing for every season and every game. We want our guys to be in peak shape for the entire season, and we do that by focusing on every aspect of their development year-round, including their time in the weight room.”

For Sarkisian, physical strength and conditioning go hand-in-hand with mental toughness. “Football is a game of adversity,” he said. “The more physically prepared we are, the more resilient we can be in difficult situations.”

3. Building a Championship-Winning Culture

Texas football, as one of the most storied programs in college football history, has always operated under the assumption that success is inevitable. However, building a culture of sustained success requires a focus on consistent, day-in-and-day-out improvement. Strength and conditioning are key to this process.

With a commitment to creating a culture that breeds competitiveness and excellence, the Texas Longhorns have made it clear that physical preparation will be as important as mental preparation for their players. In particular, the 2024 offseason will be vital for building up players like Manning, who will need to adapt to the grueling nature of college football. Their physical development will ensure that they can handle the demands of the season and make the most of their training.

As Sarkisian leads the program into the future, developing and cultivating a championship-winning culture remains at the forefront of his strategy. This includes ensuring that the players have access to top-tier strength programs that focus on injury prevention, conditioning, and overall athleticism.

Strength and conditioning coach Yancy McKnight, who has been with the Longhorns since 2017, plays a critical role in this aspect of the team’s success. His approach to physical development has been widely praised, and his program has been instrumental in getting players to reach their full potential.

For the 2024 Texas team, the focus has been on building players into well-rounded athletes, incorporating techniques that emphasize functional strength, speed, agility, and mental toughness. It’s a holistic approach that ensures players aren’t just physically gifted but mentally and emotionally prepared for the challenges of a long season.

4. The Role of Team Leadership in the Weight Room

Another key element of the Texas Longhorns’ strength and conditioning program is the leadership of upperclassmen, particularly the players who were vital to the team’s success in 2024. Veteran players like RB Bijan Robinson, LB DeMarvion Overshown, and DT Moro Ojomo played significant roles in the team’s success last season, and now it’s their responsibility to help lead by example during the offseason.

Having veteran players who understand the importance of conditioning and training is vital in creating a culture where hard work in the weight room is seen as part of the journey to greatness. These players not only help set the tone but also mentor the younger players — such as Manning — on the value of building physical strength and mental resilience.

“It’s not just about lifting weights,” said Moro Ojomo. “It’s about showing the younger guys what it means to put in the work, day in and day out. As an upperclassman, I have to show them that being prepared physically is what makes us successful.”

As Texas continues to recruit top-tier talent like Manning, the ability for upperclassmen to take leadership roles in the weight room and in practices is crucial to building a cohesive team dynamic that will propel the Longhorns forward.

5. The Importance of Mental Toughness and Resilience

While physical strength is the primary focus in the weight room, mental toughness is an equally essential component of a championship-winning program. Steve Sarkisian understands that cultivating a resilient mindset will separate Texas from the competition, especially as they look to build on their 2024 success.

“Mental toughness is what allows us to thrive in tough moments, whether we’re down late in a game or facing adversity in practice,” Sarkisian said. “We focus on resilience, both physically and mentally, and that starts with how we train in the weight room.”

For Manning, the pressure of following in the footsteps of the Manning family legacy can be daunting. But with the help of the Longhorns’ strength and conditioning program, Manning will have the tools necessary to become not just physically strong but mentally prepared to take on the pressure that comes with being a quarterback at a program as high-profile as Texas.

6. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Texas Football?

As the Texas Longhorns continue their ascent under Steve Sarkisian and build on their impressive 2024 season, their focus on offseason training, strength, and conditioning will be essential. With Arch Manning leading the charge, the 2025 season holds even greater promise.

The weight room will play an essential role in helping players like Manning, along with other up-and-coming recruits, reach their full potential and set the stage for sustained success in the years to come. The long hours spent in the gym, lifting weights, refining techniques, and pushing limits will ultimately be what determines whether the Longhorns can continue their path toward greatness.

As Coach Sarkisian looks ahead to the 2025 season, the Texas Longhorns will continue to make physical development a priority, ensuring they are ready for the challenges that lie ahead and poised to make a run for the national championship. The foundation has been set, and it all starts with the work done in the weight room.

In Austin, the future of Texas football is bright, and the Longhorns are prepared to lift their program to new heights — both on and off the field.