Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of Texas, makes his thoughts on Ohio State football clear.
Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the University of Texas football team, is no stranger to high expectations, pressure, and high-profile games. Over the course of his career, he has built a reputation as a skilled offensive mind with the ability to develop elite quarterbacks and implement high-powered offenses. As head coach of Texas, Sarkisian has a monumental task in rebuilding and re-establishing the program’s status as a perennial powerhouse in college football. Texas is a program with a rich history, but in recent years, it has struggled to meet the lofty expectations that come with the “Longhorns” name.
In a recent interview, Sarkisian shared his thoughts on a variety of topics surrounding college football. Among those topics was Ohio State, one of the most successful and well-respected football programs in the nation. Sarkisian’s comments were notable for their clarity, passion, and insight into what he sees as the blueprint for success in college football. Ohio State has long been a model program, consistently competing for national championships, producing NFL talent, and maintaining one of the most efficient and effective programs in the country. For Sarkisian, Ohio State serves as both a benchmark for what success looks like and as a challenge that he and his Texas program aspire to reach.
In this article, we will break down Sarkisian’s thoughts on Ohio State, the key points from his comments, and what they reveal about his philosophy as a coach, his aspirations for Texas football, and the broader landscape of college football.
Sarkisian’s Perspective on Ohio State’s Program
Steve Sarkisian’s comments about Ohio State were thoughtful, direct, and rooted in respect for the culture and history of the program. As a coach who understands the significance of institutional culture, Sarkisian highlighted Ohio State’s consistency, discipline, and success as a model for other programs—Texas included.
He emphasized that Ohio State’s success is not based on just one factor but rather a combination of elements that have contributed to their sustained excellence. For Sarkisian, one of the most impressive aspects of Ohio State is their ability to maintain a high level of success year after year, despite the turnover in coaching staffs, players, and circumstances. Ohio State’s recruitment process, consistent development of talent, and ability to adjust to the changing landscape of college football are all factors that Sarkisian admires.
“Ohio State has a very well-established culture that has proven to be successful,” said Sarkisian. “They recruit at a high level, they develop players, and they hold themselves to a standard that is hard to match. Year in and year out, you know what you’re going to get from them. It’s a consistent program that knows who they are and what they want to do.”
These words from Sarkisian were not simply a tribute to Ohio State’s on-field dominance but an acknowledgment of how the Buckeyes have built their program into a juggernaut over time. For Texas, a program that has experienced some ups and downs in recent years, Sarkisian’s remarks reflect an awareness of the challenges ahead in re-establishing Texas as a national title contender. Ohio State’s consistency, particularly in its ability to reload with talent rather than rebuild, is something that Sarkisian is striving for in Austin.
Recruiting and Development: The Key to Ohio State’s Success
A significant part of Sarkisian’s praise for Ohio State was centered around their recruiting process. Ohio State has consistently been one of the top recruiting programs in the nation, and Sarkisian recognized that the foundation of Ohio State’s dominance starts with bringing in high-level talent. In his comments, Sarkisian noted that Ohio State has consistently brought in elite players at nearly every position, which has allowed them to remain competitive year after year.
Recruiting, especially at a program like Texas, is critical. Texas is a state rich with high school football talent, but in recent years, Texas has struggled to keep many of its top prospects in-state, with recruits often opting for programs like Ohio State, Alabama, and other national contenders. Sarkisian, who has extensive experience coaching in both college and the NFL, understands that talent is the bedrock of success. In discussing Ohio State’s recruiting prowess, he pointed to their ability to target elite athletes at key positions—quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back—who not only fit the system but elevate it.
“Ohio State’s ability to recruit top-tier athletes at all positions, especially quarterback, has been a game-changer for them,” Sarkisian explained. “They’ve been able to build a culture where every year, they’re bringing in top-level talent and plugging them into a system that allows them to succeed right away.”
For Sarkisian, this is a lesson for Texas. The Longhorns have a history of recruiting well, but the program has struggled in recent years to keep up with the likes of Ohio State, Alabama, and other elite programs in securing the nation’s top recruits. Sarkisian’s focus on rebuilding Texas is closely tied to his ability to bring in the kind of players who can compete at the highest level and develop into elite talents. By learning from Ohio State’s recruiting process, Sarkisian hopes to restore Texas’ place at the top of college football.
System and Coaching Philosophy: Ohio State as a Blueprint
Beyond recruiting, Sarkisian also expressed admiration for the way Ohio State runs its program on a day-to-day basis. While the program’s success can largely be attributed to its talent, the system and coaching philosophy that supports that talent are what elevate Ohio State to a perennial national contender. Sarkisian highlighted Ohio State’s consistency in their offensive and defensive systems, crediting the coaching staff for developing a scheme that fits the talent on the roster while also remaining adaptable in the ever-changing landscape of college football.
“Ohio State has found a balance in their offensive and defensive schemes,” said Sarkisian. “They have a great offensive mind in Ryan Day, but they also have a defense that can stop the best offenses in the country. They’re not afraid to adapt. They’re not afraid to evolve.”
In particular, Sarkisian noted how Ohio State’s offense, led by Day, has been able to adapt to the strengths of its players. The Buckeyes have seen success with multiple styles of quarterbacks, from dual-threat playmakers like J.T. Barrett to pocket passers like Justin Fields. Sarkisian, who has a reputation as one of the best offensive minds in the game, understands the importance of creating an offense that can adjust based on personnel. Ohio State’s ability to do this is something he admires and hopes to replicate at Texas.
Sarkisian also made a point of mentioning Ohio State’s success in developing its quarterbacks. Over the years, Ohio State has produced several high-profile quarterbacks who have gone on to play at the next level, including Fields, Dwayne Haskins, and Braxton Miller. For Sarkisian, quarterback development is a critical component of building a successful program. At Texas, he is working to mold and develop top-tier quarterbacks, and he sees Ohio State as a program that consistently sets the bar in this regard.
Ohio State and the Broader Landscape of College Football
Sarkisian’s remarks on Ohio State are also indicative of his broader views on the current state of college football. The sport has become increasingly competitive, with a select few programs—Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia, and others—dominating the landscape in recent years. Sarkisian acknowledged that while it may seem like there are only a few programs consistently in the playoff mix, it’s important for teams like Texas to close the gap.
“There’s a clear top tier right now in college football, and Ohio State is firmly part of that,” Sarkisian said. “But the beauty of college football is that anyone can rise up. I believe Texas can get to that level. It’s going to take time, but I’ve seen the pieces in place.”
For Sarkisian, his belief in Texas’ potential stems from a combination of factors: the talent pool in the state of Texas, the resources available to the program, and the passion and tradition that the Longhorns possess. However, he also acknowledged that it will take time to build a program that can consistently compete with the likes of Ohio State. Sarkisian is committed to making Texas a perennial powerhouse, and his comments about Ohio State reflect his understanding of the road ahead.
Looking to the Future: A Challenge for Texas
Ultimately, Sarkisian’s thoughts on Ohio State reflect a deep respect for the program’s success and culture, but they also point to his vision for Texas. Sarkisian is aware of the immense challenge in trying to reach Ohio State’s level of consistency and success, but he is determined to do so. For Texas fans, Sarkisian’s words should be encouraging. While Ohio State serves as a model for the type of program Texas aspires to be, Sarkisian’s comments also remind us that college football is an ever-evolving landscape. Teams can rise, and the Longhorns have the potential to return to their place among the sport’s elite programs.
As Steve Sarkisian continues to build Texas into a contender, Ohio State will likely remain a key reference point for his program’s aspirations. The lessons from Ohio State’s recruiting, coaching, and culture are invaluable, and Sarkisian is committed to using those lessons to take Texas back to the top. The challenge is clear, and with Sarkisian at the helm, Texas football is poised to compete with the best.
