Steve Sarkisian transforms “almosts” and “maybes” into the Longhorns’ undisputed top recruiting class.
When it comes to college football, recruiting is the lifeblood of any successful program. A team’s ability to attract top talent directly influences its performance on the field, its reputation, and its future. The University of Texas Longhorns, a program steeped in tradition and rich history, have always been a destination for blue-chip recruits. Yet, in recent years, the Longhorns faced challenges in maintaining their elite recruiting status amid stiff competition. Enter Steve Sarkisian, the head coach who has managed to turn “almosts” and “maybes” — the elusive recruits who flirted with Texas but never quite committed — into a definitive No. 1 recruiting class. Sarkisian’s arrival marks not only a resurgence in Texas football’s recruiting prowess but also a testament to the power of persistence, relationship-building, and vision.
### The Recruiting Landscape Before Sarkisian
Before Sarkisian’s tenure, Texas recruiting was a roller coaster of high expectations and frustrating near-misses. The Longhorns have long attracted talented prospects due to their storied program, passionate fanbase, and state-of-the-art facilities. However, inconsistent coaching, instability in the program, and increasing competition from other top programs made it difficult for Texas to seal the deal with many coveted recruits. High school athletes often considered Texas a top option but hesitated, leaving a trail of “almosts” — recruits who showed interest but eventually signed elsewhere.
Recruiting is more than just evaluating talent; it’s a deeply personal process involving trust, relationships, and a clear vision of the player’s future. For years, the Longhorns struggled to project that vision effectively. Then, Steve Sarkisian arrived.
### Steve Sarkisian: A Recruiter’s Recruiter
Steve Sarkisian’s background uniquely positions him as a master recruiter. A former quarterback and coach at multiple successful programs — including Alabama, Washington, and USC — Sarkisian understands the nuances of recruiting from both a player’s and a coach’s perspective. He is known for his personal approach, taking time to build genuine relationships with prospects and their families. Sarkisian’s reputation as a developer of quarterbacks and offensive talent makes him especially attractive to recruits looking to maximize their potential at the collegiate level and beyond.
From the outset, Sarkisian made it clear that the Longhorns were not just going to be contenders on the field but also leaders in recruitment. His first recruiting classes showed promise, but it’s the recent No. 1 class that underscores his impact most dramatically.
### Turning ‘Almosts’ Into Definites
One of Sarkisian’s greatest strengths has been his ability to convert verbal interests and tentative commitments into official signatures on the dotted line. This process is far from simple. Many recruits juggle offers from multiple programs and face pressure from family, friends, and advisors. Sarkisian’s strategy hinges on consistent communication, personalized attention, and painting a vivid picture of the future they can have as Longhorns.
For recruits who were on the fence — the “almosts” — Sarkisian deployed his staff to maintain regular contact, organize campus visits, and highlight how Texas could meet their individual needs academically, athletically, and socially. He made sure these prospects felt valued and understood, a factor often overlooked by other programs that treat recruiting as a numbers game.
### Winning Over the ‘Maybes’
The “maybes” represent a more challenging group: prospects who expressed mild interest but were not fully committed to Texas as a destination. Here, Sarkisian leveraged the Longhorns’ rich history and bright future to close the gap. He showcased the program’s commitment to winning championships and developing NFL-caliber players, particularly at skill positions. Sarkisian’s offensive acumen and NFL ties provided a powerful selling point for recruits who dreamed of playing professionally.
Moreover, Sarkisian emphasized the cultural and academic benefits of the University of Texas, offering a holistic vision for life beyond football. This approach resonated with recruits and families seeking a well-rounded college experience.
### Building a Comprehensive Recruiting Machine
Behind Sarkisian’s success lies a revamped recruiting infrastructure. Understanding that recruiting success is not the product of one man alone, he built a team of recruiters and analysts dedicated to identifying, evaluating, and courting prospects with precision. The Longhorns invested in analytics, scouting resources, and state-of-the-art communication tools to stay ahead of the competition.
Sarkisian’s staff also focused on expanding Texas’s recruiting footprint beyond the traditional Texas pipeline, targeting talent-rich states across the country. This broadened approach has diversified the Longhorns’ talent pool, enabling them to tap into under-the-radar prospects as well as top-tier recruits.
### Impact on the 2025 Recruiting Class
The results speak volumes. The 2025 recruiting class for the Longhorns, touted as a No. 1 class nationally by multiple recruiting services, is a direct reflection of Sarkisian’s recruiting mastery. This class includes top-ranked quarterbacks, dynamic wide receivers, dominant linemen, and versatile defensive players — the type of talent that can transform a team’s fortunes.
This class isn’t just deep in numbers but rich in quality, with numerous five-star and four-star recruits who have the potential to become program cornerstones. Many of these players were previously listed as “maybes” or “almosts,” illustrating how Sarkisian’s approach flipped the script on Texas recruiting.
### What This Means for Texas Football
Bringing in a No. 1 recruiting class has far-reaching implications beyond just on-field performance. For Texas football, it signals a return to national prominence and the rekindling of a winning culture. It energizes the fanbase, attracts media attention, and boosts ticket sales and merchandise revenue.
More importantly, it sets a foundation for sustained success. Recruiting is cyclical, and landing a top class attracts more top prospects in subsequent years. Sarkisian’s ability to convert those elusive “maybes” into committed Longhorns ensures the program will continue to compete at the highest levels.
### The Role of Player Development
Recruiting is only the first step; developing that talent is equally crucial. Sarkisian’s reputation as a developer of quarterbacks and offensive playmakers ensures that these recruits will be nurtured into NFL-ready athletes. The Longhorns have invested heavily in coaching, strength and conditioning, and sports science to maximize player growth.
This holistic approach — from recruiting to development — makes Texas a destination where prospects believe they can achieve their full potential, reinforcing the cycle of attracting top talent.
### Challenges Ahead
While the No. 1 recruiting class is cause for celebration, challenges remain. Turning highly-touted recruits into consistent winners on the field requires patience, strong coaching, and team chemistry. Injuries, academic eligibility, and competition for playing time can affect how quickly recruits impact games.
Furthermore, maintaining this recruiting momentum will require continued innovation, relationship management, and results. Sarkisian and his staff must continue to demonstrate that Texas is the best place for recruits to flourish.
Steve Sarkisian’s ability to turn “almosts” and “maybes” into a definitive No. 1 recruiting class is a masterclass in coaching, recruiting, and leadership. By building genuine relationships, showcasing a clear vision, and assembling a top-tier recruiting infrastructure, Sarkisian has reestablished Texas as a premier destination for elite football talent.
This achievement is more than just a recruiting win — it’s a beacon of hope and a promise of greatness for the Longhorns’ future. As the 2025 season approaches, the football world will be watching closely to see how this stellar class translates into championships, defining a new era of Texas football under Steve Sarkisian’s guidance.
