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

As college football fans and analysts debate which team is the favorite to claim the 2025 National Championship, one name is beginning to pop up more and more frequently: Texas. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns have built a team that has the potential to compete for the highest honors in college football in 2025. While there are still several months of recruiting, player development, and game planning before that season kicks off, Texas has set itself up in such a way that it should be considered a favorite for the College Football Playoff and a possible national champion.

So, what makes Texas such a strong contender? From Sarkisian’s leadership to the elite talent they’ve secured through recruiting, Texas is a powerhouse in the making. But more than just their roster or the coaching staff, the team’s culture and identity have transformed under Sarkisian’s guidance, and that’s a big reason why the Longhorns should win the 2025 College Football Championship.

The Foundation: Sarkisian’s Coaching and Offensive Philosophy

When Steve Sarkisian took the reins at Texas in 2021, there were immediate questions about whether he could revitalize a once-proud program that had struggled to live up to its lofty expectations. After all, Texas had been through a series of head coaches and fluctuating success over the past decade, and Sarkisian’s previous experience at USC and Washington had left some doubts about his ability to translate success to the Longhorns. However, through a combination of recruiting success, offensive acumen, and building a new culture, Sarkisian has proven that he’s the right man to lead Texas back to prominence.

Sarkisian’s offensive philosophy has been a game-changer for Texas. His high-powered, pass-heavy offense has allowed Texas to compete at a level that has been lacking for the past several years. Sarkisian’s ability to develop quarterbacks—as seen with Bryce Young at Alabama—has been evident in his work with Quinn Ewers, who has shown tremendous upside and could potentially become one of the best quarterbacks in the nation by 2025.

Sarkisian’s offense is built around spreading out defenses, attacking all areas of the field, and creating mismatches with talented skill players. This system will be even more potent as Sarkisian continues to bring in top-tier recruits. The 2025 roster is expected to feature a combination of experienced players and talented underclassmen that should fit well within the system and create an explosive, dynamic offense.

Quarterback Play: Quinn Ewers and the Future

For any team to win a College Football Playoff and ultimately a National Championship, quarterback play is critical. Texas is set at the most important position on the field with Quinn Ewers, who has already shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Longhorns.

Ewers, a former five-star recruit from Southlake Carroll High School in Texas, was one of the most hyped quarterbacks in recent memory. Though his first season with Texas had its ups and downs, Ewers displayed the tools to succeed: a cannon arm, elite accuracy, and a high football IQ. Heading into 2025, Ewers will have an additional year of experience, which should allow him to flourish in Sarkisian’s offense.

Ewers’ ability to read defenses, stretch the field, and hit all areas of the field with precision will be essential for Texas’ success. With Sarkisian’s guidance, Ewers has the potential to develop into a top-tier quarterback capable of leading Texas to the 2025 National Championship. If he continues to progress, and the offensive line gives him the necessary time to operate, Ewers could be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country.

Elite Recruiting: A Pipeline of Talent

One of the main reasons Texas should be viewed as a legitimate title contender in 2025 is their elite recruiting under Sarkisian’s leadership. Recruiting in Texas has always been vital to the Longhorns’ success, and Sarkisian has taken advantage of the state’s vast talent pool while also pulling in players from around the country. The 2025 class is poised to be one of the best Texas has seen in years, featuring several high-profile recruits that can make an immediate impact.

Arch Manning, the five-star quarterback from New Orleans, has already committed to Texas for the 2025 season, which will add another level of excitement to the program. While Manning’s arrival won’t directly affect the 2025 season—he’ll likely redshirt—his commitment is part of a larger trend that signals Texas is on the rise. But more than Manning, the class also features top-tier talent at almost every position, from offensive linemen like Kelvin Banks Jr. to defensive playmakers like Reggie Powers Jr. and wide receiver Derrick Brown.

The infusion of talent that Texas has secured will not only elevate the program in the short term but also ensure long-term success. The 2025 class should provide significant depth, and the mix of experienced players like Xavier Worthy, Bijan Robinson, and Jordan Whittington with emerging young talent will allow Texas to be competitive at the highest level for years to come.

Offensive Line: Protecting Ewers and Creating Running Lanes

While quarterback play is important, so is having a strong offensive line to protect the quarterback and create lanes for the running back. Fortunately for Texas, their offensive line has been bolstered by strong recruiting, and they are expected to be one of the top offensive lines in the country in 2025.

Kelvin Banks Jr., who’s expected to be a standout offensive tackle, is one of the top recruits in the 2025 class and will be a cornerstone of the offensive line. The Longhorns have also brought in a handful of other talented linemen, including interior players, who should help solidify the front line.

A strong offensive line will be essential in ensuring that Quinn Ewers stays upright and is able to make the big throws that could lead Texas to a championship. It will also open up running lanes for Texas’ running backs, such as Jaden Blue and Keilan Robinson, who could have breakout seasons in 2025. A well-balanced offense that is both dynamic through the air and strong on the ground will make Texas a tough team to stop.

Defense: The Key to Championship-Level Play

While the Texas offense will certainly grab much of the attention, the defense will also play a crucial role in the Longhorns’ pursuit of the 2025 National Championship. Over the past few seasons, Texas has made strides on defense, but the key to a championship run will be having a defense that can shut down top-tier offenses and keep the score manageable in big games.

Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski has been instrumental in helping the Longhorns develop a strong, fast, and physical defense. With players like Jerrin Thompson at safety and Ovie Oghoufo on the edge, the Longhorns have the ability to pressure quarterbacks and limit the effectiveness of opposing offenses. In 2025, Texas will also have a number of promising players in the secondary and at linebacker who will play important roles in defensive success.

Texas’ defense will need to be elite in crucial moments, especially against teams with high-powered offenses like Oklahoma, Alabama, and Georgia. If the Longhorns can lock down opposing teams and force turnovers while remaining disciplined in their pass-rush and coverage, they will be able to keep the pressure on and allow the offense to control the tempo of the game.

Special Teams: A Hidden Factor

When it comes to winning a national championship, the importance of special teams cannot be overstated. Texas has the opportunity to be solid on special teams in 2025, with an experienced kicker in Bert Auburn and a punt returner in Xavier Worthy who can break open a game with one big play.

In high-stakes games, where field position can make or break a victory, special teams will be a critical factor for Texas. Whether it’s a timely field goal or a crucial punt return to shift momentum, these aspects of the game will provide the Longhorns with an additional advantage in their bid for the 2025 National Championship.

The X-Factor: Culture and Belief in Sarkisian

Perhaps the most important factor that sets Texas apart from other teams is the culture Steve Sarkisian has instilled within the program. His ability to inspire confidence, foster a winning mentality, and bring together top-tier talent has created a sense of unity that is vital for championship-level success.

The confidence that Sarkisian has instilled in his players—combined with the knowledge that they have the tools and resources to compete for a title—will be crucial in the Longhorns’ march to the 2025 National Championship. The belief in their head coach and the system he has put in place will drive Texas players to push themselves to their limits and give everything they have in the pursuit of a title.

Texas is Ready to Squat Heavy

The phrase “Texas squats heavy” has emerged as a metaphor for the team’s physical and mental readiness to compete for a National Championship. With Steve Sarkisian at the helm, Quinn Ewers leading the offense, and a roster full of elite recruits, Texas is poised to be a serious contender in 2025. Their combination of explosive offense, physical defense, and winning culture makes them a team that could finally break through and bring the College Football Playoff Championship back to Austin.

The Longhorns are on the verge of returning to greatness, and with Sarkisian’s leadership and the immense talent on the roster, they should be a strong favorite to win the 2025 National Championship.