Steve Sarkisian’s Texas bubble burst when Ohio State and Georgia gave him a harsh reality check.
When Steve Sarkisian took the helm as head coach of the Texas Longhorns, the expectation was clear: restore Texas to its former glory. As a well-respected offensive mind with a reputation for developing quarterbacks, Sarkisian was seen as the program’s savior after years of mediocrity under Tom Herman. His arrival in 2021 was met with great enthusiasm, and the Longhorns’ fan base believed that the era of championship contention was just around the corner. However, the harsh reality came crashing down after two crushing losses to top-tier teams in Ohio State and Georgia. These defeats highlighted the immense gap still separating Texas from true national title contention and shattered the early optimism surrounding Sarkisian’s tenure.
The High Hopes of Sarkisian’s Arrival
When Sarkisian was hired as head coach in January 2021, it felt like the start of a new era for Texas football. The Longhorns had seen flashes of greatness under Herman but never reached their full potential. A program that was once a powerhouse of college football had fallen into mediocrity, struggling to compete with the likes of Oklahoma, Alabama, and Clemson at the top. Enter Sarkisian, a coach with a proven track record as an offensive coordinator at Washington, USC, and Alabama. His ability to develop elite quarterbacks and his offensive schemes had earned him rave reviews, and many believed he could bring Texas back into national prominence.
Sarkisian’s debut season in 2021 was met with mixed results. While he showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with quarterback Hudson Card and freshman Bijan Robinson, the Longhorns faced their share of growing pains. Texas began the season with high expectations but ultimately finished with a disappointing 5-7 record, including losses to teams like Arkansas and Kansas. The program’s struggles were concerning, but it was clear that Sarkisian was trying to establish his culture and system—something that would take time.
But even with the disappointing season, many thought that 2022 could be the year the Longhorns would truly turn the corner. The pieces were in place, particularly with a strong recruiting class and a solid nucleus of young talent, including quarterback Quinn Ewers, who was expected to be a potential star. Fans were hopeful that Sarkisian’s system would finally take full shape and lead to better results.
Ohio State: A Reality Check
The first true test of Texas’ progress under Sarkisian came in a high-profile matchup against Ohio State in 2022. The Buckeyes, led by coach Ryan Day, were perennial College Football Playoff contenders, with a roster stacked with talent on both sides of the ball. Texas, despite all its hopes and the potential of a strong recruiting class, was still trying to find its identity under Sarkisian.
From the opening whistle, the gap between the two programs was evident. Ohio State’s offensive line, featuring future NFL stars, dominated Texas’ defensive front. Quarterback CJ Stroud, who would go on to be one of the top picks in the NFL Draft, picked apart the Longhorns’ secondary with ease, exposing the holes in Texas’ defense. The Buckeyes’ offense, filled with future NFL talent such as wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and running back TreVeyon Henderson, showcased an explosiveness that Texas simply couldn’t match.
On the other side of the ball, Texas’ offense struggled to get any momentum going. Ewers, a highly touted recruit, had moments of brilliance but also looked overmatched against Ohio State’s speed and physicality. Sarkisian’s offense, which had impressed in spurts during the regular season, could not keep up with Ohio State’s pace. The Buckeyes’ defense, led by star linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, stifled the Texas ground game, making it difficult for Robinson to get into a rhythm.
The result was a humbling 42-20 loss. While some may have expected a tough matchup, the way in which Texas was outclassed on both sides of the ball sent a shockwave through the program. It was a brutal reminder of how far Texas had to go before it could be considered a true contender on the national stage.
Georgia: A Further Reality Check
Just a few weeks after the Ohio State loss, Texas found itself facing another top-tier opponent: the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia, fresh off a national championship victory in 2021, was still riding high on the momentum of its dominant defense and powerful offense. Under head coach Kirby Smart, the Bulldogs had established themselves as a juggernaut in college football, with an elite roster and a well-coached, physical brand of football that had overwhelmed teams throughout the 2021 season.
Once again, Sarkisian and the Longhorns were presented with an opportunity to prove that they belonged among the elite. But much like the Ohio State game, the gap between Texas and a true championship-caliber program was laid bare. Georgia’s defense, led by linebacker Nakobe Dean and defensive linemen like Jalen Carter, smothered Texas’ offense. Ewers struggled to make any significant throws against Georgia’s secondary, and the Longhorns’ running game, which had been one of the best in the nation in 2021, was stifled by the Bulldogs’ dominant front seven.
Defensively, Texas was unable to contain Georgia’s powerful running game, led by NFL-bound running back Zamir White. The Bulldogs’ offensive line pushed Texas around, allowing Georgia to control the clock and impose its will. The result was a 38-14 loss that further solidified the perception that Texas was still a few years away from competing with the truly elite programs in college football.
While the losses to Ohio State and Georgia were tough, they also served as a much-needed wake-up call for both Sarkisian and the Longhorns. They weren’t yet close to being able to compete on the level of teams like Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, or Clemson. The difference in physicality, depth, and execution was stark, and Sarkisian’s supposed “bubble” of optimism quickly burst in the face of these elite opponents.
The Harsh Reality: Texas’ Long Road to Relevance
The loss to Ohio State and Georgia made it clear that, while Texas had some pieces in place, it wasn’t yet ready to contend with the best programs in the country. Despite Sarkisian’s offensive prowess, the Longhorns had not yet developed the depth, consistency, and physicality necessary to compete on the national stage. In many ways, these defeats were a reflection of the program’s overall trajectory under Sarkisian.
The Longhorns had made progress in recruiting, but they were still years away from being able to consistently compete at the level of Ohio State and Georgia. Texas lacked the depth in both the trenches and at key skill positions to match up with the top-tier programs. Furthermore, the coaching staff was still in the process of implementing a system and developing a culture that could lead to sustained success.
Sarkisian’s Texas bubble bursting also highlighted another important reality: the expectations at Texas are immense. The Longhorns are one of the most storied programs in college football history, and the pressure to win is always at a fever pitch. Fans and boosters expect immediate results, and any slip-ups or setbacks are met with intense scrutiny. This can be both motivating and detrimental, as Sarkisian is learning firsthand.
The Path Forward: Rebuilding and Progress
Despite the tough losses, it is important to recognize that Sarkisian’s tenure is still in its early stages. Building a championship program takes time, and Texas has made strides in recruiting and developing talent. The addition of top-tier recruits, such as Ewers and Robinson, will pay dividends in the long run. Additionally, Sarkisian’s offensive system, which has shown flashes of brilliance, could eventually become one of the most potent in the nation.
However, for Texas to truly return to national prominence, Sarkisian will need to make significant improvements in several areas. The Longhorns must continue to build depth, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and find ways to match the physicality of the nation’s elite teams. The program also needs to recruit more high-caliber players in the trenches, as the battle in the offensive and defensive lines remains one of the most important aspects of college football.
Ultimately, Sarkisian’s bubble burst was a tough but necessary moment for the Texas program. It served as a harsh reminder that success in college football is not instant, especially when trying to rebuild a program as storied as Texas. While the losses to Ohio State and Georgia were painful, they also provide valuable lessons for Sarkisian and the Longhorns as they look to rebuild and compete at the highest level.
