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

In the world of college football, few teams are as synonymous with high expectations as the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns are not just a team but a symbol of tradition, talent, and immense financial resources. However, in 2025, head coach Steve Sarkisian finds himself under an intense spotlight, facing pressure that goes far beyond the ordinary challenges of a football season. The weight of history, the financial investment from the university, the expectation of success, and the shifting landscape of college football have all contributed to a critical juncture for the Texas program. Here’s why Sarkisian and the Longhorns are under such immense pressure in 2025.

1. The Burden of History and Expectations

The University of Texas has a rich football history that includes four national championships, a legacy of producing elite talent, and a fanbase that expects nothing less than success. For decades, Texas has been a juggernaut of college football, attracting top-tier recruits, consistently winning at a high level, and maintaining national relevance. However, the last decade has been marked by inconsistency, coaching changes, and underachievement, culminating in a near-decade-long stretch without a conference title.

In 2025, the pressure on Steve Sarkisian is deeply rooted in the weight of this history. The Longhorns’ fanbase and alumni expect not just success but dominance. Sarkisian, despite his impressive offensive mind, is charged with reviving the program to its former glory and winning a national championship. The standard is clear: mediocrity is not acceptable at Texas.

Despite some flashes of brilliance, such as his victory in the 2023 Alamo Bowl and his ability to develop talented quarterbacks like Quinn Ewers, Sarkisian’s tenure has not yet met the lofty expectations set by the program’s history. As the Longhorns prepare to enter the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in the near future, there is a growing sense of urgency for Sarkisian to deliver a championship before Texas faces the daunting task of competing with powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU week in and week out.

2. The Financial Investment

In 2025, the financial commitment to Steve Sarkisian and the Texas football program has reached unprecedented levels. The university has made it clear that it expects results, backing up these demands with a lucrative contract for Sarkisian. In January 2025, the Texas Board of Regents extended Sarkisian’s contract through 2031 and increased his guaranteed salary for 2025 to $10.8 million—a significant boost to an already massive pay package.

This substantial financial investment not only puts Sarkisian in a highly visible position but also places immense pressure on him to live up to the investment. The financial backing from the university reflects the high stakes involved. Texas, as one of the wealthiest athletic programs in the country, is not afraid to spend big on coaching staff, facilities, and player recruitment. But with this wealth comes the expectation of immediate returns. The university is not just paying for talent but for tangible success on the field.

Texas’ financial commitment to Sarkisian is part of a broader trend in college football, where programs with deep pockets are placing ever-increasing demands on their head coaches. The 2025 season is critical in showing whether the Longhorns’ investment in Sarkisian and his staff will translate into on-field success, particularly given the financial resources available to him.

3. Recruiting and Player Development

Recruiting is one of the most crucial aspects of college football, and the Texas Longhorns are known for their ability to attract elite talent. Under Sarkisian, the Longhorns have continued to bring in top-tier recruits, securing some of the nation’s best high school players. In 2025, Texas boasts an impressive roster with a wealth of talent at nearly every position. However, recruiting alone is not enough to ensure success—how well those recruits are developed and how they perform on the field is the key.

While Sarkisian has shown the ability to recruit at a high level, there are still concerns about the development of that talent. Despite bringing in highly ranked quarterbacks, running backs, and defensive players, the Longhorns have failed to consistently put it all together on the field. This inconsistency has fueled criticism of Sarkisian’s ability to manage and develop the roster, with fans and media alike questioning whether he can get the most out of his star recruits.

As 2025 rolls around, there will be a focus on whether Sarkisian can finally bring the best out of his talented squad. Can Quinn Ewers, once regarded as a future star, take the next step and lead the team to the promised land? Can Sarkisian develop a more balanced and effective offense and defense? These are questions that will determine his future and whether the Longhorns can live up to the hype surrounding them.

4. The Transition to the SEC

One of the biggest factors contributing to the pressure on Steve Sarkisian in 2025 is the looming transition of the Texas Longhorns into the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In the coming years, the Longhorns will face some of the most dominant teams in college football on a weekly basis. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Auburn are perennial powerhouses in the SEC, and Texas will need to compete at a very high level to remain relevant.

Sarkisian’s ability to lead Texas through this transition will be critical. The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, and many believe that Texas will face challenges in adapting to the high level of competition. While the Longhorns have had success in the Big 12, the SEC is a different animal. To succeed in the SEC, Texas will need to elevate its recruiting, improve player development, and, most importantly, win on the field.

The added pressure of knowing that Texas is soon to be part of this more competitive conference weighs heavily on Sarkisian. Fans expect that Texas will hit the ground running when they officially join the SEC. Anything less than competitive success could result in criticism and questions about the Longhorns’ place in the new conference.

5. Coaching Staff Changes

The offseason of 2025 has also seen significant changes to Sarkisian’s coaching staff, adding yet another layer of pressure. Notably, several key assistants, including Terry Joseph (defensive backs coach) and Tashard Choice (running backs coach), have departed for new opportunities, including roles in the NFL and at other top college programs.

These departures, while part of the natural evolution of coaching staffs, present a challenge for Sarkisian. He will need to fill these key positions with qualified coaches who can continue to develop talent and maintain the Longhorns’ competitive edge. Any hiccups in this process could affect the overall cohesion and performance of the team, leading to questions about the stability of the coaching staff.

Given the amount of money and resources invested in Sarkisian and his staff, the expectation is that any coaching staff turnover will not impact the Longhorns’ ability to perform at a high level. The pressure is on Sarkisian to ensure that these changes do not derail the program’s momentum.

6. The NFL Interest and Future Speculations

While Steve Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas has been marked by flashes of brilliance, there has also been speculation about his future in the NFL. Several NFL teams are reportedly interested in Sarkisian as a potential head coach, given his offensive acumen and success as a coordinator. While Sarkisian has expressed his commitment to Texas, the fact that his name is being floated for NFL positions adds an additional layer of uncertainty to the situation.

If the Longhorns fail to achieve significant success in 2025, there could be increased speculation about Sarkisian’s future. Would he be willing to entertain offers from NFL teams? Would the Texas administration stick with him if they feel he is not living up to expectations? These questions add an element of uncertainty to Sarkisian’s situation, as he must not only deal with the pressure of performing at Texas but also navigate the potential distractions of future career prospects.

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