Why Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns are under so much pressure in 2025
Why Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns are Under So Much Pressure in 2025
The University of Texas Longhorns football program has long been one of the most storied programs in college football history. With a rich tradition of success, powerful recruiting classes, and a passionate fanbase, the expectations surrounding Texas football are consistently sky-high. However, despite flashes of potential and a considerable investment in facilities, coaching, and recruitment, the Longhorns have faced challenges in recent years, struggling to meet the lofty expectations that come with being one of the biggest programs in the nation.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most consequential years for Texas in recent memory. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns find themselves at a crossroads. As they look ahead to a move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024, the pressure is mounting for Sarkisian to deliver on the promise of restoring Texas to the national championship picture. With a highly anticipated quarterback in Arch Manning leading the way and the team steadily improving on paper, the 2025 season feels like a make-or-break year for both Sarkisian and the Longhorns program as a whole.
Several factors contribute to the immense pressure on Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns in 2025. From the weight of expectations and high-profile recruiting classes to the looming SEC transition and a fanbase demanding results, the 2025 season could determine whether Sarkisian’s tenure will be remembered as a success or a failure.
1. The Weight of Texas Football Expectations
Few programs in college football are as closely watched, and as scrutinized, as the University of Texas. Texas football has a long and illustrious history, with four national championships, 32 conference championships, and a legacy of producing NFL talent. The fanbase is rabid, passionate, and unwilling to accept mediocrity. For many Longhorns fans, the goal is clear: win championships and compete for national titles.
Since Mack Brown’s tenure ended in 2013, the Longhorns have seen a revolving door of coaches, with Charlie Strong and Tom Herman failing to return the program to its elite status. Steve Sarkisian, hired in 2021, was brought in with the expectation that he could quickly restore Texas to its former glory. While Sarkisian has made strides in recruiting and has put together a solid team, the Longhorns have struggled to consistently perform at the level their supporters expect.
In 2025, Texas fans are growing increasingly impatient. Despite Sarkisian’s efforts to rebuild the program, the Longhorns have yet to achieve a Big 12 title under his leadership, let alone a College Football Playoff berth. In an era where championships are expected, the pressure is mounting for Sarkisian to turn things around, especially with the team on the brink of a new era in the SEC.
The expectations for Texas football are amplified by the wealth of resources available to the program. Texas boasts one of the most lucrative athletic departments in the country, with state-of-the-art facilities, a massive recruiting budget, and the financial backing of a dedicated fanbase. The Longhorns are expected to compete at the highest level, and anything less than championship contention will be seen as a failure.
2. Arch Manning’s Arrival and Its Impact on the Pressure
When Arch Manning, the highly coveted five-star quarterback, committed to Texas in 2023, it sent shockwaves through the college football world. As the heir to the legendary Manning family football dynasty, Arch’s decision to play for the Longhorns was a signal that Texas was once again a destination for elite talent. His pedigree, his skills, and the expectations surrounding him are unlike any recruit in recent memory.
For Steve Sarkisian, Arch Manning’s arrival brings both excitement and pressure. Manning is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks to enter college football in recent years. His ability to read defenses, his arm strength, and his poise in the pocket have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats. With Manning in the fold, Texas fans have high hopes for a national championship-caliber team.
However, the pressure on Sarkisian to develop Manning into a successful college quarterback is immense. Manning’s talent is undeniable, but young quarterbacks often face challenges in adapting to the speed and complexity of college football. Sarkisian must find a way to balance the expectations for Manning’s success while managing the growing pains that often come with a freshman quarterback.
If Manning thrives under Sarkisian’s tutelage, it could elevate the Longhorns back into the national spotlight. But if Manning struggles, the blame may fall squarely on Sarkisian’s shoulders, leading to increased scrutiny and calls for accountability.
Additionally, the Manning family’s legacy carries its own weight. With both Peyton and Eli Manning becoming two of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, Arch’s decision to attend Texas is both a blessing and a curse for Sarkisian. Expectations are sky-high, and the pressure to not only develop Manning into a top college quarterback but also to win championships will be unrelenting.
3. The Transition to the SEC and the Stakes for the Longhorns
Perhaps the biggest factor driving the pressure on Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns in 2025 is the looming move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Texas has long been a dominant force in the Big 12, but with the SEC becoming the undisputed power conference in college football, the move to the SEC presents new challenges and opportunities.
The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest and most competitive conference in college football, with teams like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Auburn consistently battling for national championships. Texas will now face a significantly higher level of competition, and their ability to compete at the highest level will be put to the test.
For Sarkisian, the transition to the SEC will be a major determining factor in his future success as head coach of the Longhorns. In 2025, there is growing pressure to ensure that Texas is ready to compete with the elite teams of the SEC when the move officially takes place. While the Longhorns have the talent to compete, the SEC’s physicality, speed, and depth will be a challenge that Texas has yet to experience on a regular basis.
If Sarkisian can guide Texas to success in their final Big 12 season while preparing the program for the SEC, it will be seen as a major accomplishment. However, if Texas falters in the Big 12 and struggles to adjust to the rigors of the SEC once they join, Sarkisian’s job could be in jeopardy. The transition to the SEC is not just a logistical move—it is a cultural shift that will require Texas to elevate their play to meet the standard set by the conference’s elite programs.
4. Recruiting and Building Depth
While Sarkisian has made significant strides in recruiting during his tenure, Texas still faces stiff competition in the recruiting world. The Longhorns are competing with traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State for the top high school recruits. Although Texas has the resources and the appeal to land high-profile prospects, recruiting success is no guarantee of immediate on-field results.
Sarkisian’s ability to consistently recruit top-tier talent will be critical to the Longhorns’ future success. In 2025, Texas must continue to attract elite prospects while developing the talent already on the roster. Building depth across all positions, especially in the trenches and in the secondary, will be key to sustaining success in the SEC. Recruiting must be at an elite level for Texas to remain competitive in the toughest conference in college football.
The pressure on Sarkisian to secure top recruiting classes and develop talent on both sides of the ball is immense. If Texas struggles to bring in elite recruits or fails to develop the talent they have, it will become harder for the program to compete with the best teams in the nation.
5. Sarkisian’s Track Record and Job Security
Steve Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas has been marked by flashes of potential but also inconsistency. While the Longhorns have shown improvement under his leadership, they have not yet reached the heights that many expected when he was hired. Sarkisian’s record at Texas heading into the 2025 season will be under scrutiny. If the Longhorns are unable to compete for championships or achieve sustained success in 2025, questions about his job security will become more pronounced.
Texas has shown in the past that it is willing to make coaching changes when results do not meet expectations. Given the resources at the university’s disposal and the urgency to return to national relevance, Sarkisian’s future may depend on his ability to meet the challenges of the 2025 season.
