Steve Sarkisian speaks at the Touchdown Club of Houston

In a packed ballroom filled with excitement and anticipation, Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, delivered an address that offered both insight and optimism for the future of the Texas football program. The occasion? A gathering of the Touchdown Club of Houston, a prominent event where football enthusiasts, players, and coaches come together to discuss the state of the game, future prospects, and the challenges that lie ahead. Sarkisian’s speech at the event was an opportunity to not only reflect on the journey thus far but also to outline the vision for what lies ahead for the Longhorns as they prepare to enter a new era in college football.

As one of the most high-profile college football coaches in the nation, Sarkisian’s words carried weight. Known for his strategic mind, his offensive acumen, and his leadership, Sarkisian has guided the Longhorns through a period of rebuilding and growth, seeking to restore Texas to its former glory. This event gave him a platform to address a variety of topics—from his philosophy on coaching, to his plans for the program, to the ever-increasing expectations surrounding the University of Texas football team.

This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of Steve Sarkisian’s speech at the Touchdown Club of Houston, highlighting key moments from the event and the insights he shared with those in attendance. It will explore his views on leadership, recruiting, the upcoming seasons, and the state of college football at large, as well as how the Texas Longhorns are positioned to become a dominant force in the future.

A Strong Start: Sarkisian’s Opening Remarks

Sarkisian opened his speech with a warm welcome to the crowd, acknowledging the enthusiastic support for Texas football and the Longhorns’ loyal fanbase. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak at such a prestigious event, noting how significant the Touchdown Club of Houston is in the Texas football community.

“I’ve always said, football in Texas is different. It’s not just a game; it’s a way of life,” Sarkisian began, referencing the passionate following the Longhorns have enjoyed over the decades. “It’s an honor to be here tonight, to speak to a group of individuals who understand what it means to not just love the game, but to live it.”

From the outset, Sarkisian set the tone for a speech that would be equal parts reflection, analysis, and vision. The crowd could sense that he was ready to share his thoughts on the progress the program had made and what needed to be done to reach the next level.

Reflections on the 2024 Season: A Season of Progress

One of the major topics Sarkisian addressed was the progress of the Longhorns throughout the 2024 season, a year that represented significant steps forward in terms of both team performance and individual player development. After a mixed start to his tenure in Austin, Sarkisian has managed to lay a foundation that has begun to pay dividends.

“Our team has come a long way since I first arrived at Texas,” Sarkisian said, his voice reflecting pride in the team’s growth. “In year one, we were a team still figuring things out. In year two, we were competitive. But in year three, we became a team that could contend at the highest levels.”

Sarkisian highlighted the improvement of the Texas defense, a unit that had historically been a weak point for the program. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, the Longhorns had transformed from one of the more porous defenses in the Big 12 to one of the toughest in the nation. Sarkisian’s acknowledgment of this transformation was not only a nod to Kwiatkowski’s leadership but also a reflection of the hard work and commitment of the players on that side of the ball.

“We’ve made tremendous strides defensively,” Sarkisian said. “We’re not there yet, but the direction we’re heading is exciting. We have the talent, the depth, and the attitude to be one of the best defenses in college football.”

He also praised the development of key players, most notably quarterback Quinn Ewers, who had taken major strides under Sarkisian’s tutelage. “Quinn’s growth from year one to year two has been incredible. He’s not just a talented quarterback; he’s becoming a leader. He’s starting to understand the mental side of the game and the nuances of the offense.”

Looking Forward: The 2025 Season and Beyond

After reflecting on the past season, Sarkisian shifted his focus to the future. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the Texas Longhorns are preparing for what could be a pivotal year in the program’s rebuilding process. Sarkisian is fully aware of the expectations that come with coaching at a program like Texas, and he did not shy away from discussing the high bar set for success.

“The goal is clear: we want to compete for championships,” Sarkisian declared. “At Texas, it’s not enough to just be competitive. The expectations are high, and they should be. We want to be the best, and that’s where we’re headed.”

A major factor in achieving this goal, according to Sarkisian, is the continued development of the team’s talent pipeline through recruiting. Texas has long been known for producing some of the best high school football talent in the country, and Sarkisian emphasized that the Longhorns’ recruiting efforts are a top priority.

“We’re going to continue to recruit at an elite level,” he said. “The state of Texas produces an abundance of talent, and we want to make sure we’re bringing the best of the best to Austin. That means not just focusing on local talent, but also casting a wide net nationally and globally.”

Sarkisian mentioned several key recruits who were expected to make an immediate impact in 2025, including a highly touted offensive lineman from Houston and a pair of defensive backs who had committed to the Longhorns. He also mentioned the importance of maintaining strong relationships with high school coaches across the state, which he believes is crucial for sustained success.

“We’re building relationships, not just with players, but with the entire high school football community,” Sarkisian said. “That’s the key to long-term success at Texas. We want to be the team that every top recruit in the state wants to play for.”

The State of College Football: Change and Adaptation

Beyond the specifics of the Texas program, Sarkisian also addressed the broader landscape of college football, which is undergoing significant changes. With the rise of the College Football Playoff, the shifting dynamics of conferences, and the growing importance of the transfer portal, Sarkisian acknowledged that the game is evolving rapidly.

“We’re in an era of change in college football,” he said. “The game is different than it was five or ten years ago. We have to adapt. That’s one of the reasons we’ve seen success at Texas—we’re not afraid of change, we embrace it.”

Sarkisian specifically noted the increasing importance of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, which have radically altered the way college football programs approach recruiting and player retention. “NIL is a game-changer,” he admitted. “It’s something we have to navigate carefully, but it’s also an opportunity for our players to benefit from their success on the field and in the classroom.”

He went on to highlight how Texas has adjusted to this new reality, with the program providing resources to help players maximize their NIL opportunities. “We’ve worked hard to build a strong infrastructure around NIL at Texas,” Sarkisian explained. “We want our players to succeed both on and off the field, and that means helping them understand how to leverage their brand and build something for their future.”

Leadership and Culture: The Foundation of Success

One of the key themes that resonated throughout Sarkisian’s speech was the importance of leadership and culture within the program. Sarkisian is a coach who places a premium on the development of his players not just as athletes, but as individuals. He spoke at length about the importance of creating a culture that fosters accountability, discipline, and trust.

“Our culture is everything,” Sarkisian said. “It’s the foundation of our program. We want players who are not just talented, but who are committed to the success of the team. That means holding each other accountable, pushing each other to be better every day, and always striving for excellence.”

He emphasized that building a winning culture is not just about X’s and O’s on the field; it’s about creating an environment where players feel supported and are motivated to perform at their highest level. “The coaches can only do so much,” he said. “The players have to buy in. They have to take ownership of the program.”

Sarkisian concluded his speech by expressing his excitement for the future of Texas football. “We’re building something special here. It’s not going to happen overnight, but we’re on the right track. The best is yet to come for Texas football.”

Steve Sarkisian’s address at the Touchdown Club of Houston was more than just a speech—it was a statement of intent. With the Texas Longhorns continuing to rebuild and evolve under his leadership, Sarkisian laid out a clear vision for the future. The program is on the upswing, with talent on both sides of the ball, a commitment to recruiting at the highest level, and a coaching staff that is poised to take the Longhorns back to the top of college football.

As Sarkisian prepares for the 2025 season, the pressure is undoubtedly mounting. But after hearing his words, one thing is clear: Steve Sarkisian is not just looking to restore Texas to its former glory—he’s aiming to take the program to new heights, and he’s doing it with confidence, leadership, and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in today’s evolving college football landscape.