Why Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns are under so much pressure in 2025 | College Football Enquirer

As the Texas Longhorns gear up for the 2025 college football season, there is an undeniable sense of pressure surrounding head coach Steve Sarkisian and his team. This pressure is not only from external expectations but also the weight of a program with a rich history of success, a loyal fanbase, and a high-profile transition into the SEC. For Sarkisian, the 2025 season could prove to be a critical point in his tenure at Texas. Success, or failure, could shape the trajectory of his future and the future of the Longhorns football program.

In this article, we explore why Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns are under so much pressure heading into the 2025 season and what it means for the program going forward.

1. High Expectations Amidst a Rich History

One of the main reasons for the immense pressure on Sarkisian and the Texas program is the school’s rich football history. Texas has a tradition of success that includes four national championships, 32 conference titles, and a reputation as one of the most powerful programs in college football. With a proud fanbase and an extensive support system, expectations are always high.

Over the years, the Longhorns have become accustomed to competing for national championships and major bowl games. Since the Mack Brown era, Texas football has seen a significant dip in success. The team went through a stretch of mediocrity that included several disappointing seasons, especially after Vince Young’s departure, and the transition to new coaches. Sarkisian was brought in to return Texas to its rightful place among college football’s elite.

However, as many programs have learned, living up to the expectations of a school like Texas is incredibly difficult. The standard at Texas is not just to win games but to win championships and play at the highest level. While Sarkisian has shown glimpses of what he can do, his tenure has not yet resulted in a significant breakthrough.

For Texas to return to national prominence, it requires a program-defining performance, and that starts with Sarkisian’s leadership. His ability to navigate these high expectations and deliver a championship-contending season will be the key to alleviating the pressure.

2. Transition to the SEC

Another factor contributing to the pressure on Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns is the imminent transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2025. The move from the Big 12 to the SEC is a monumental change for Texas. The SEC is home to some of the most competitive teams in college football, including the defending national champions, Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. The level of competition will be tougher, the stakes higher, and the margin for error slimmer.

For Sarkisian, this presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, the move to the SEC gives Texas the chance to test itself against the very best in college football. Success in the SEC would not only bring prestige but also open the door to increased national relevance and success on the recruiting trail. On the other hand, the pressure to perform in a more competitive conference is immense. If the Longhorns struggle in their first seasons in the SEC, it could have a lasting impact on the program’s reputation and recruiting efforts.

The challenges that come with the SEC will undoubtedly test Sarkisian’s ability to adjust, adapt, and build a competitive team. Many coaches in college football have failed in their first attempts at transitioning to a new conference, and Texas’ entrance into the SEC will put even more pressure on Sarkisian to succeed quickly.

3. High Expectations for Quinn Ewers

The 2025 season will be pivotal not only for Sarkisian as a head coach but also for his quarterback, Quinn Ewers. Ewers, who was a highly-rated recruit and has shown flashes of brilliance as Texas’ starting quarterback, enters 2025 with expectations that he will lead the Longhorns to greatness. He has all the tools needed to succeed, including a powerful arm, mobility, and strong football IQ, but he has yet to deliver on his potential consistently.

After playing much of the 2024 season through a torn oblique, Ewers will be expected to return to form in 2025. The Texas offense will rely heavily on his ability to make plays down the field, manage the game, and keep defenses on their toes. If Ewers can stay healthy and develop into a true star, it could be the difference-maker for Texas in a loaded SEC. However, if he struggles or fails to meet expectations, it could significantly hinder the Longhorns’ chances of competing at the highest level.

For Sarkisian, managing the development of Ewers will be one of his most critical responsibilities. Sarkisian has a history of developing quarterbacks, most notably with Mac Jones at Alabama, and the pressure to get the best out of Ewers will be immense. Success for Sarkisian in 2025 is not only about his coaching but also about how well he can help Ewers thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

4. Recruiting Pressure and Talent Acquisition

Another source of pressure for Sarkisian is the recruiting landscape. Since his arrival at Texas, Sarkisian has been tasked with building a roster that can compete with the elite teams in college football. Texas has the resources, facilities, and fanbase to attract top-tier talent, but the competition is fierce. In particular, recruiting against SEC powers such as Alabama, Georgia, and LSU presents a constant challenge.

The Longhorns have made significant strides in recruiting since Sarkisian’s arrival, securing high-profile commitments and adding key players to their roster. However, the pressure will only increase in 2025. Not only does Sarkisian need to continue bringing in top talent, but he also needs to ensure that the players on his roster are developed and able to contribute at a high level.

In the SEC, recruiting is often the difference between being a contender and being left behind. Texas must compete for the best recruits in the state of Texas and the surrounding areas, and success in recruiting will be tied to Sarkisian’s ability to win games. The more success he has on the field, the easier it will be to attract the best prospects. However, if Texas struggles in the SEC, it could hurt the program’s ability to recruit at the highest level.

5. Pressure to Win Now

Perhaps the most significant pressure for Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns heading into 2025 is the simple reality that the program is expected to win now. Texas has invested heavily in the football program, and the stakes have never been higher. With the Longhorns about to make their move to the SEC, they cannot afford to wait for a few years to become competitive; they must prove themselves immediately.

Sarkisian has been given the time and resources to build a championship contender, and while progress has been made, he is still seeking that breakthrough season. Texas has not won a conference championship since 2009, and the expectations to return to prominence are growing each year. The 2025 season could be the turning point for Sarkisian—if he succeeds in his fourth year, he could cement his legacy as the coach who revived Texas football. If he fails, questions will undoubtedly be raised about whether he is the right man to lead the Longhorns in the SEC.

For Sarkisian, the 2025 season is a make-or-break year. The pressure to win a conference title, compete for a playoff spot, and show progress against the SEC’s elite teams is immense. Texas fans are patient, but they expect results, and 2025 is the year that will either validate Sarkisian’s efforts or raise doubts about his future at the helm of the program.