The Longhorns under Steve Sarkisian are on guard: SMU will compete for the Texas title.

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, few rivalries and competitions are as fierce and anticipated as those that take place within the state of Texas. The state’s football programs boast a rich history, passionate fanbases, and an undeniable level of talent. Among these programs, two schools, in particular, stand poised to shape the future of Texas football: the University of Texas Longhorns and Southern Methodist University (SMU).

While Texas has long been seen as a powerhouse, particularly under coaches like Mack Brown and most recently Steve Sarkisian, SMU has slowly but surely built up its reputation under the leadership of head coach Rhett Lashlee. The rise of SMU, paired with the Longhorns’ quest to reclaim their former glory, sets the stage for an exciting and intense battle for the state’s football supremacy.

The Texas Longhorns Under Steve Sarkisian: A New Era

Steve Sarkisian’s arrival at Texas in 2021 signaled the beginning of a new era for the Longhorns, who have struggled to maintain consistency and dominance in the years following the Mack Brown era. Sarkisian, who had previously found success as the head coach at Washington and USC and served as an offensive coordinator at Alabama, was seen as the perfect coach to turn the Longhorns around. His offensive acumen, paired with his recruiting ability, offered a glimmer of hope that Texas could return to national relevance.

In his first two seasons in Austin, Sarkisian has shown both promise and frustration. The Longhorns have been a team full of potential but often lacked the consistency to deliver in key moments. After a strong start to the 2021 season, Texas struggled down the stretch, highlighted by an embarrassing loss to Kansas and a series of other close games that slipped away. However, Sarkisian has had time to recruit and develop his roster, and the 2024 season could be the year Texas takes the next step.

One of the key strengths of Sarkisian’s program has been the development of quarterback play. Texas boasts one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Quinn Ewers, a former five-star recruit who chose to stay home in Texas after his stint at Ohio State. Ewers is poised to be the face of the program for the next few years, and Sarkisian’s ability to develop him into a consistent, high-level quarterback will be critical. Additionally, Sarkisian has continued to recruit some of the top talent in Texas, and the Longhorns have a deep and talented roster at almost every position.

Despite the challenges, Sarkisian’s recruiting efforts have been solid, and the Longhorns are on the cusp of returning to elite status. If Texas can finally find the consistency it’s been missing and put together a complete season, there is little doubt that the Longhorns will be one of the top teams in the state and nationally.

SMU’s Growing Power: A Quiet Challenge to the Texas Giants

While the Longhorns have dominated the headlines in recent years, there is a growing sense that SMU is positioning itself to make a serious challenge for supremacy in the state of Texas. The Mustangs, once a national powerhouse under head coach Forrest Gregg and during the “Pony Express” days, have seen a resurgence under head coach Rhett Lashlee.

Lashlee, who took over the program in 2021 after a successful stint as the offensive coordinator at Miami, has revitalized the SMU football program. His offensive-minded approach, which emphasizes speed, precision, and explosiveness, has quickly made an impact on the field. SMU has become a formidable opponent within the American Athletic Conference (AAC), and Lashlee’s recruiting efforts have positioned the program to compete at a higher level.

One of the key elements in SMU’s resurgence is its ability to develop talented players. Lashlee has been able to recruit top-tier high school talent, both in Texas and nationally, and has also tapped into the transfer portal to bring in experienced players who can contribute immediately. Quarterback Tanner Mordecai, for example, was a key transfer from Oklahoma who helped lead the team to success, and his presence at the helm of the offense has allowed SMU to play at a high level. In 2023, Mordecai helped guide the Mustangs to a strong season, showcasing the program’s ability to compete against higher-ranked teams.

Moreover, SMU’s defense, under coordinator Scott Symons, has shown marked improvement. While the Mustangs were often seen as an offensive juggernaut in previous seasons, their defensive improvements in recent years have allowed them to compete with more physically imposing teams like Texas. This balanced approach—combining a potent offense with a more reliable defense—has elevated SMU to a place where they could be competitive with the state’s traditional powerhouses.

The Mustangs have also benefited from their commitment to building up the program both on and off the field. With strong financial support from alumni and boosters, SMU has invested in its facilities and infrastructure, which has helped elevate the entire athletic department. The addition of the new football operations center has allowed the team to better recruit and develop talent, ensuring the Mustangs will continue to be a force in the years to come.

The Battle for the State of Texas: Longhorns vs. Mustangs

As both programs continue to grow and develop, the battle for the state of Texas intensifies. The Longhorns and Mustangs have played each other numerous times over the years, with Texas having the upper hand historically. However, with SMU’s resurgence, the competition is becoming fiercer than ever.

One key area where SMU can challenge Texas is in recruiting. The Longhorns have traditionally been able to recruit the top players in Texas, but the rise of SMU has forced many recruits to reconsider their options. The Mustangs have been able to offer a competitive program in the heart of Dallas, which has attracted some top recruits who may have once only considered Texas, Texas A&M, or Baylor.

SMU’s proximity to Dallas, combined with its growing brand, has allowed the Mustangs to make inroads with top talent in the metroplex. While Texas still holds a recruiting advantage statewide, SMU is increasingly becoming a legitimate option for many Texas athletes who want to stay close to home but don’t necessarily want to commit to one of the bigger programs. SMU’s success in the transfer portal has also given them an edge in attracting players looking for a fresh start, adding experience and depth to their roster.

For Texas, maintaining its dominance in the state of Texas remains a critical component of the program’s future. The Longhorns cannot afford to take SMU lightly, as the Mustangs’ rise presents a challenge to their ability to lock down the state’s best talent. With the growing presence of SMU, Texas must remain vigilant in its recruiting efforts and ensure that it is not outbid by smaller programs.

The Future of Texas Football: Can SMU Compete for the Title?

As we look toward the future, it is clear that the landscape of Texas football is changing. While the Longhorns may still be the most prestigious program in the state, the rise of SMU signals that there is a new contender in town. SMU’s ability to develop players, recruit effectively, and compete with traditional powerhouses has made it a serious challenger for the Texas title.

Both programs, Texas and SMU, are building momentum, and it won’t be long before the rivalry between the two schools becomes one of the most anticipated matchups in the state. While the Longhorns are still the more established program, the Mustangs’ ascent has forced many to reevaluate the state’s football hierarchy. Texas will need to be on guard, as SMU looks set to continue its rise to the top.