As National Signing Day approaches, Steve Sarkisian is frantically pursuing three elite recruits.

As National Signing Day rapidly approaches, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian finds himself in the midst of a crucial period for his program. With his sights set on competing at the highest levels of college football, Sarkisian is pulling out all the stops to land some of the best and brightest high school prospects in the country. This year, there are three recruits who are at the top of his wish list. Each of these young athletes is highly coveted by programs around the nation, and their decisions could be game-changers for Texas as they continue to build their roster for the future.

With the pressure mounting and the clock ticking down to National Signing Day, let’s dive deep into who these three elite recruits are, why they are such coveted targets for Sarkisian, and how their decisions could shape the future of Texas football. This article will not only examine these recruits but will also provide insight into what makes them stand out in a crowded and competitive field.

The Importance of National Signing Day for Steve Sarkisian and Texas

National Signing Day is one of the most important dates on the college football calendar. This is the day when high school players officially commit to their college programs, and their decisions shape the future of the sport for years to come. For Steve Sarkisian and his staff, this day holds particular significance as they continue to rebuild the Texas Longhorns into national title contenders.

Sarkisian, who has proven himself as one of the top offensive minds in college football, knows that his success at Texas hinges on bringing in top-tier talent. While Texas has a storied football program, the Longhorns have faced stiff competition in recent years, especially from other Big 12 schools and the powerhouses in the SEC. To return Texas to the top of college football, Sarkisian is focused on recruiting elite players who can elevate the program to the next level.

This year, as National Signing Day looms large, Sarkisian’s attention is focused on three particular recruits who could make an immediate impact in Austin. Each of these players is an elite talent at their respective positions, and their commitment could help fill critical needs on the roster. The pressure is on, and Sarkisian is doing everything in his power to sway these recruits toward the Longhorns.

The Three Elite Recruits Targeted by Steve Sarkisian

1. Arch Manning – Quarterback

It’s hard to discuss recruiting at Texas without mentioning one of the most talked-about names in college football: Arch Manning. The nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch has been the center of attention in the recruiting world for years. His pedigree, combined with his exceptional skill set, has made him the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the nation, and many programs have been vying for his commitment.

For Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns, landing Manning would be a game-changer. Texas has long struggled to find consistency at the quarterback position, and bringing in a player like Arch Manning would not only stabilize the position but could elevate Texas to championship contention for years to come. Manning’s natural ability as a pocket passer, his football IQ, and his leadership on and off the field have made him a coveted prospect for schools across the country.

Sarkisian, known for his ability to develop quarterbacks, has made Manning a priority for this recruiting class. The Longhorns have a strong offensive system that would cater to Manning’s skills, and Sarkisian’s reputation as a quarterback guru is a significant selling point. If Manning chooses Texas, he would immediately become the face of the program, and his decision would have a domino effect on other recruits looking to join a program with championship aspirations.

However, it won’t be easy for Sarkisian to win over Manning. Arch has received offers from virtually every top program in the country, including Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, and there is fierce competition for his commitment. Manning has a close-knit family, and his decision will likely be influenced by a variety of factors, including his relationship with his future coaches, the program’s stability, and the opportunities for success. Sarkisian’s ability to build a strong relationship with Manning and convince him that Texas is the right place for his future will be crucial in securing this coveted commitment.

2. Evan Stewart – Wide Receiver

Another high-profile recruit on Steve Sarkisian’s radar is Evan Stewart, a 5-star wide receiver out of the state of Texas. Stewart is widely regarded as one of the top playmakers in the 2025 class and has the ability to change the game with his speed, route-running ability, and playmaking skills. Standing at 6’1” and possessing elite acceleration, Stewart has the potential to become a star at the next level and an immediate impact player for any program that lands him.

For Texas, landing Stewart would be a major boost to their receiving corps. While the Longhorns have had solid receivers in recent years, they have lacked a true game-breaking wideout who can stretch the field and make plays in key situations. Stewart fits that mold perfectly. His ability to separate from defenders and make spectacular catches in the open field would provide a dynamic weapon for Sarkisian’s offense.

Sarkisian has a proven track record of developing top-tier wide receivers, and Stewart would benefit from being coached by one of the best offensive minds in the game. With Texas’ offense expected to become more explosive under Sarkisian, Stewart could play a pivotal role in helping the Longhorns take their offense to the next level. Given that Stewart is from Texas, the Longhorns have an advantage in terms of familiarity and proximity, but they still face significant competition from programs such as Alabama, LSU, and Georgia, all of whom are heavily pursuing Stewart.

Stewart’s commitment would be a major win for Sarkisian and the Longhorns. It would solidify Texas’ receiving corps and give the Longhorns a dynamic playmaker who could step in immediately and make an impact.

3. Travis Shaw – Defensive Lineman

While much of the attention has been on the offensive side of the ball, Steve Sarkisian and his staff are also focused on building a dominant defense. One recruit who could help solidify the defensive line is Travis Shaw, a 5-star defensive lineman from North Carolina. Shaw is one of the top prospects in the 2025 class and has the size, strength, and explosiveness to dominate at the next level. Standing at 6’5” and weighing over 300 pounds, Shaw is a physical specimen who can disrupt the opposing offense and create havoc in the backfield.

For Texas, Shaw represents an important piece in their defensive rebuild. While the Longhorns have made strides on defense under Sarkisian, they have struggled to consistently generate pressure on the quarterback and stop the run. Adding a player like Shaw to the defensive line would give Texas an immediate game-changer in the trenches. Shaw’s ability to collapse the pocket and create disruption would provide the Longhorns with a powerful defensive force and help them compete with the top teams in the SEC.

Shaw has been heavily recruited by several programs, including Clemson, Georgia, and Alabama. However, Texas has made a strong push to land the 5-star prospect, with Sarkisian emphasizing the opportunity Shaw would have to play in a pro-style defense that fits his skill set. Shaw’s commitment would not only be a boost to Texas’ defense but would also send a message to other recruits that the Longhorns are building a formidable program on both sides of the ball.

The Final Push: Steve Sarkisian’s Strategy for Success

With National Signing Day approaching, Steve Sarkisian is pulling out all the stops to land these three elite recruits. The recruiting process is never easy, and Sarkisian faces stiff competition from some of the top programs in the nation. However, Sarkisian has several factors working in his favor:

1. Strong Offensive System: Sarkisian’s offensive prowess is a major selling point for recruits like Arch Manning and Evan Stewart. Texas’ high-powered, fast-paced offense would give these players the opportunity to shine and make an impact right away.
2. Relationship Building: Sarkisian is known for his ability to build strong relationships with recruits. As National Signing Day approaches, he will continue to strengthen his connections with these three recruits and their families, making a final push to convince them that Texas is the best place for their future.
3. Program Stability: While Texas has faced its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, Sarkisian’s leadership has brought a sense of stability to the program. With a strong recruiting class already in place and a focus on building a championship-caliber team, recruits like Manning, Stewart, and Shaw will be drawn to the vision Sarkisian has for Texas.