CFB analyst: “Texas squats heavy”: Why Steve Sarkisian’s Longhorns should win the 2025 championship

The excitement surrounding Texas Longhorns football has been building steadily over the past few seasons, and with Steve Sarkisian at the helm, the team appears primed to make a run at the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) and potentially claim its first national championship in over a decade. Following several years of rebuilding, Texas has developed into a powerhouse under Sarkisian, a coach known for his innovative offensive schemes and ability to get the most out of his talent.

The phrase “Texas squats heavy” has become a popular metaphor used to describe the team’s impressive combination of physicality, strength, and mental toughness. It’s a phrase that encapsulates the gritty mindset Sarkisian has instilled in his players. With a blend of explosive athletes, veteran leadership, and a well-rounded coaching staff, Texas is now in a position to contend for the 2025 national title—and for many good reasons.

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, here’s why Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns should be favored to win it all.

1. Elite Talent Across the Roster

One of the most compelling reasons Texas is poised to compete for a national championship in 2025 is the wealth of talent across every position group. Under Sarkisian’s guidance, the Longhorns have steadily accumulated a top-tier recruiting class, resulting in a roster packed with future NFL talent. Texas’ recruiting efforts have produced a deep pool of talent at every level of the team, from the offensive line to the secondary.

Offense:

Quinn Ewers, the highly touted quarterback, is the centerpiece of this offensive juggernaut. After a successful 2024 season, Ewers enters 2025 as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. With his elite arm strength, ability to make all the throws, and experience in Sarkisian’s offense, he provides the team with a reliable signal-caller capable of leading the Longhorns deep into the postseason.

The wide receiver group is also loaded with talent. Players like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington provide Ewers with an arsenal of weapons that can stretch defenses vertically and create mismatches in the open field. Both wideouts have the speed and playmaking ability to change the game in an instant, and with the offensive system Sarkisian employs, their skills will be maximized.

Additionally, Bijan Robinson, one of the top running backs in college football, provides the perfect balance to Texas’ air attack. Robinson’s ability to find holes, break tackles, and make plays in the passing game gives the Longhorns a dual-threat offense capable of keeping defenses on their toes. The return of Roschon Johnson, another dynamic running back, further strengthens the backfield, ensuring that Texas has multiple options to rely on when running the football.

The offensive line, which has been a point of emphasis for Sarkisian, is loaded with talent and depth. The development of offensive linemen under Sarkisian’s tutelage has been a noticeable shift in the team’s ability to control the line of scrimmage. Texas will have an elite offensive line in 2025, capable of providing Ewers with the time needed to survey the field and create holes for Robinson and the other running backs.

Defense:

On the defensive side, the Longhorns have built one of the most imposing defensive units in the nation. With standout players like Jerrin Thompson and Keondre Coburn, Texas has the talent to create havoc both in the secondary and up front. Thompson, a ball-hawking safety, and Coburn, a powerful defensive tackle, are just a few examples of the high-caliber defensive players who will make the Texas defense one to watch.

Texas’ defensive line is especially loaded, with future NFL-caliber players who can rush the passer and disrupt the pocket. This kind of physicality up front will help them compete against some of the more explosive offenses in the country. Additionally, Texas has depth at linebacker and in the secondary, ensuring that their defense can make plays all over the field.

The key to Texas’ defense in 2025 will be its ability to create turnovers and force opposing offenses into difficult situations. With an aggressive pass rush and a secondary that can lock down receivers, this unit will be a major asset to the team as they work toward securing a CFP berth.

2. Sarkisian’s Offensive Scheme and Playcalling

When evaluating Texas’ chances to win the 2025 national championship, it’s impossible to overlook the impact of Steve Sarkisian’s offensive mind. Sarkisian has built one of the most explosive and dynamic offenses in college football, and his ability to mix up playcalling, utilize motion, and create mismatches with his talent pool is one of the primary reasons the Longhorns should be considered national championship contenders.

Sarkisian’s offense is built around the RPO (run-pass option) game, which puts pressure on defenses by giving the quarterback the option to either hand the ball off or pass it depending on the defense’s alignment. This creates an unpredictable and dangerous offensive attack that can confuse even the most prepared defenses.

The ability to mix the passing game with an effective running attack gives Texas a balanced offense, making it difficult for opposing defenses to focus on one area of the game. With a quarterback like Quinn Ewers, who can stretch the field with his arm and a backfield led by Bijan Robinson, who can control the clock and grind out tough yards, Sarkisian has the tools to create an offense that can score from anywhere on the field.

Moreover, Sarkisian’s ability to adapt his playcalling to the strengths of his players cannot be overstated. Whether it’s creating explosive plays in the passing game or controlling the tempo with an efficient running attack, Sarkisian has consistently shown that he knows how to get the best out of his team. As the season progresses, expect his playbook to continue evolving, making Texas’ offense even more dangerous.

3. Physicality and Mental Toughness: “Texas Squats Heavy”

The phrase “Texas squats heavy” has become a rallying cry for the Longhorns, emphasizing the physical strength and mentality the team brings to every game. Sarkisian has made it clear that he wants his players to play with intensity and toughness, something that has been evident in the way his team competes. The offensive and defensive lines, in particular, have made massive strides in terms of physicality, providing a foundation that will be critical as the team navigates through tough Big 12 matchups and ultimately makes a push for the national championship.

At the heart of Texas’ physicality is its offensive line, which has developed into one of the best in college football under Sarkisian’s guidance. The ability to win battles in the trenches is often the difference between a championship contender and a team that falls short. In the Big 12, and especially in the SEC, where physical play is the norm, Texas’ improved strength and conditioning under Sarkisian is a huge asset.

The Longhorns’ defense also embodies this mentality. Keondre Coburn, Jerrin Thompson, and the entire defensive front are known for their ability to disrupt offensive schemes, stop the run, and make big plays in critical moments. Their mental toughness will be key when facing high-powered offenses, and they’ll need to dominate up front to give the secondary a chance to make plays.

4. SEC Transition and Long-Term Success

As Texas prepares to join the SEC in the coming years, the Longhorns’ ability to compete at the highest level in one of the toughest conferences in college football will be tested. The 2025 season represents an important moment in Texas’ trajectory, as the team will need to establish itself as a force before its move to the SEC.

Fortunately, Sarkisian has experience coaching in the SEC, having been a former offensive coordinator at both Alabama and Washington. His familiarity with the conference’s rigorous schedule and elite competition will serve him and his team well in navigating the challenging transition. His ability to recruit and develop players who are ready to compete at the highest level gives Texas a distinct advantage in the years to come.

By winning a national championship in 2025, Texas can solidify its place as an elite program that is ready for the challenges the SEC will present. It will also give Sarkisian the credibility to attract top-tier talent and maintain the momentum Texas has built over the past few seasons.

5. The X-Factor: Coaching and Leadership

While Sarkisian’s X’s and O’s are impressive, it’s his ability to inspire and lead his players that will play a critical role in Texas’ success in 2025. Steve Sarkisian is known for being a players’ coach, and his ability to build strong relationships with his athletes has translated into strong performances on the field. The confidence and belief that Sarkisian instills in his players have been pivotal in their growth and maturation.

With strong leadership from Sarkisian and his coaching staff, the Longhorns have the guidance and support needed to succeed on the biggest stage. The leadership of senior players like Bijan Robinson, Keondre Coburn, and Jerrin Thompson, combined with the emotional support from Sarkisian, will create a cohesive unit capable of handling the pressure of championship-level football.