After watching the Super Bowl, Steve Sarkisian gains a new, amazing talking point that he may utilize when recruiting for the Longhorns.
After Watching the Super Bowl, Steve Sarkisian Gains a New, Amazing Talking Point That He May Utilize When Recruiting for the Longhorns
The Super Bowl is always a showcase of the best and brightest talent in the NFL, with its high-stakes drama and spectacular athleticism. For Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, the biggest game of the year serves as both a celebration of football excellence and a valuable opportunity to refine his approach to recruiting. For coaches like Sarkisian, the Super Bowl is not just about witnessing incredible performances; it’s also about identifying trends, learning from success stories, and finding new talking points that can help recruit the next wave of football talent to their programs.
In 2025, as Sarkisian watched the Super Bowl, something clicked for him—an inspiring narrative about player development, adaptability, and the evolution of football strategy emerged that he could utilize in his recruitment pitch. What Sarkisian saw, particularly in the way the game unfolded and how the players who were integral to the Super Bowl were developed, reinforced key aspects of his coaching philosophy. This new talking point could help bolster Texas’ recruiting efforts, not only attracting top-tier recruits but also demonstrating the Longhorns’ commitment to player growth, modern football concepts, and team-oriented success.
The Impact of the Super Bowl on Recruiting Conversations
The Super Bowl, as a pinnacle of football excellence, brings together the finest players, coaches, and teams. Every year, the game serves as a reminder of the hard work, strategy, and talent needed to succeed at the highest level. For Sarkisian, the game is a teaching moment—a chance to dissect what makes the best players stand out and what it takes to get to the Super Bowl. These lessons will naturally filter into his recruiting conversations with potential Longhorns.
The key takeaway for Sarkisian this year came from two primary sources: the quarterback play and the role of player adaptability.
Quarterback Play: A Unique Talking Point for Sarkisian
One of the most intriguing aspects of this year’s Super Bowl was the quarterback play, as it was a matchup between two dynamic quarterbacks who exemplified the kind of traits Sarkisian values in his own quarterbacks. Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles have very different playing styles, but both demonstrated skills that Sarkisian could point to when talking to potential quarterback recruits.
Mahomes, known for his incredible arm strength, improvisation skills, and ability to perform under pressure, epitomizes the modern-day quarterback: one who can make plays off-script, utilizing athleticism and creativity when the pocket breaks down. Mahomes’ ability to create magic out of thin air is something that many quarterbacks hope to emulate, and it’s a trait that Sarkisian likely admires in a player. On the other hand, Hurts’ growth as a quarterback was also on full display. Hurts has transformed from a dual-threat quarterback who faced questions about his passing ability in college into one of the most well-rounded quarterbacks in the NFL. Hurts combined the ability to make accurate throws with the willingness to take off and run when needed, demonstrating a level of maturity and adaptability that coaches at all levels seek in their quarterbacks.
For Sarkisian, this combination of dual-threat quarterbacks with the ability to both throw and run efficiently is something that will resonate deeply with his recruiting pitch. Sarkisian has long been a coach who emphasizes developing quarterbacks to be both skilled in the passing game and dynamic enough to be threats on the ground. He may see Mahomes and Hurts as exemplars of his ideal vision of quarterback play, one that transcends traditional boundaries and molds a versatile player who can succeed in all areas of the game. This is a talking point he can now bring to the table during recruiting visits and discussions, emphasizing how Texas’ offense will allow quarterbacks to thrive in a system that both develops their passing skills and maximizes their mobility.
Sarkisian can confidently recruit quarterbacks by showing how Texas quarterbacks have the potential to grow in similar ways as Mahomes and Hurts, pointing to their development within a pro-style offense that allows for freedom of movement and playmaking opportunities. He could highlight that the Texas offense fosters flexibility, ensuring that quarterbacks have the tools to succeed, no matter the situation.
For quarterbacks being recruited, the idea of being molded into a multi-dimensional playmaker who can make plays in a variety of ways will be attractive. The success stories of Mahomes and Hurts, two players who adapted their game and rose to the top, are narratives that will undoubtedly resonate with future Longhorns quarterbacks looking to make a mark in the college football world—and ultimately, in the NFL.
Adaptability: Learning from the Super Bowl’s Winning Strategies
Another key takeaway from the 2025 Super Bowl that Sarkisian is likely to emphasize when speaking with recruits is the value of adaptability. Both teams that played in the Super Bowl had to adapt to a variety of challenges throughout the game, from unexpected turnovers to injuries to the intense pressure of the spotlight. The ability to adjust on the fly, make changes in game plans, and stay calm under pressure is something that Sarkisian values deeply when recruiting players at all positions—not just quarterbacks.
The Kansas City Chiefs in particular demonstrated exceptional adaptability during the Super Bowl. They were facing a tough defense in the Philadelphia Eagles, who were fast, aggressive, and loaded with talent. Yet, the Chiefs found a way to adjust their offensive schemes, leaning heavily on quick passes and utilizing Mahomes’ mobility to get the ball to the right players in space. At the same time, the Eagles’ defense had to change their approach as they faced off against Mahomes, who was dealing with an injury but still found ways to make critical plays in key moments.
For Sarkisian, this focus on adjusting to the moment and the ability to play well in high-pressure situations are essential attributes he can highlight to recruits. Texas players, especially those on defense, need to understand that being able to read the game, make changes in real-time, and adapt to various offensive schemes are crucial skills that will allow them to not only succeed in college but thrive on the next level. Sarkisian could emphasize how Texas’ program helps players hone this adaptability, preparing them to take on a variety of challenges, whether it’s in the middle of a tense game or in the NFL Draft process.
Sarkisian could point to examples of how the Texas coaching staff emphasizes adaptability in their approach to training. Whether it’s through position versatility, adapting schemes based on opponent strengths, or making quick adjustments during games, Sarkisian can sell how Texas football fosters the growth of adaptable athletes who are ready for anything. This focus on adaptability will resonate with recruits who want to develop as complete players—those who can excel in any game situation, no matter the pressure.
The Super Bowl and Texas Football: A Championship Mindset
Sarkisian is also likely to use the Super Bowl as a way to show recruits that the Texas Longhorns are not only playing the game—they are playing to win championships. The Super Bowl itself is a microcosm of what Sarkisian is trying to build at Texas: a championship-caliber program with the ability to succeed on the biggest stage. By watching how teams like the Chiefs and Eagles were able to navigate the complexities of high-level competition, Sarkisian can reinforce the importance of mental toughness, elite preparation, and execution under pressure—all qualities that Texas players must develop in order to compete for the national championship.
Sarkisian has worked hard to change the culture at Texas, emphasizing the need to be disciplined and to prepare for every game as if it were a championship matchup. Just as the teams in the Super Bowl prepared for their high-stakes game with precision and focus, Sarkisian can now point to how Texas football adopts the same championship mindset every week. The message to recruits will be clear: if you come to Texas, you are coming to a program that has its sights set on national championships and the NFL, and everything in between will be about preparing for that ultimate goal.
