Steve Sarkisian Sends Strong Message on Future of Texas
Steve Sarkisian Sends Strong Message on Future of Texas
The Texas Longhorns football program, once a powerhouse of college football, has been in a period of transition for the last decade, facing struggles with consistency and elite performance. However, under the guidance of Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have begun to show signs of revival. As Texas prepares for its highly anticipated move to the SEC in 2024, Sarkisian has sent a clear and strong message to both his players and the college football world about the future of the program — Texas is back, and its ascent is only just beginning.
Sarkisian, who took over as the head coach of Texas in 2021, has quickly become one of the most talked-about figures in the college football landscape. His offensive-minded approach, combined with his experience coaching at elite programs like Alabama, has set the foundation for what many believe will be a return to prominence for the Longhorns. The program has had its share of challenges, but Sarkisian’s vision, leadership, and relentless pursuit of success have made a lasting impact, setting the Longhorns up for what could be a dominant future in the SEC.
The Sarkisian Effect: Building the Foundation
When Steve Sarkisian was hired as the Texas head coach in 2021, he inherited a program that was struggling to find its identity. The Longhorns had experienced several seasons of underperformance, despite recruiting top-tier talent, and the pressures were mounting for a turnaround. Texas fans had grown impatient, especially after the program had failed to live up to the high expectations set by its history and reputation.
Sarkisian’s appointment was met with cautious optimism. As the offensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban, he had helped develop one of the most dynamic offenses in college football, and his success with quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young was well-documented. Sarkisian was known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and offensive schemes that allowed his teams to play at a high level. The hope was that this would translate to success at Texas.
In his first two seasons at Texas, Sarkisian faced significant challenges, but he was able to lay a solid foundation. The program began to show signs of improvement, particularly on offense. Under his leadership, the Longhorns saw a resurgence in recruiting, particularly at the quarterback position. His first major success came with the signing of quarterback Quinn Ewers in the 2022 class, a move that sent a clear message about Sarkisian’s ability to recruit and his desire to build the offense around a high-level signal-caller.
In addition to Ewers, Sarkisian was able to bring in a talented group of players, particularly at wide receiver, running back, and on the offensive line. With a renewed emphasis on building a balanced, high-powered offense, Sarkisian set the Longhorns on a path to become one of the most dangerous teams in the country. The next step was to improve the defense and ensure the team was playing a balanced brand of football — a challenge Sarkisian took on with determination.
The Message: Texas is Back and Ready for SEC Competition
As the Longhorns prepare for their transition to the SEC, the stakes for Sarkisian’s Texas program have never been higher. The move to the SEC is widely regarded as one of the most significant steps in college football in recent years. Joining a conference that has consistently produced national champions and a collection of the best programs in the country will undoubtedly be a challenge. But Sarkisian’s message has been clear: Texas is ready for the challenge.
Sarkisian has emphasized that while the SEC is home to some of the best teams in college football, Texas is more than capable of competing at the highest level. He has constantly reminded his players, fans, and recruits that Texas is a program with a rich history and tradition of success, and that the Longhorns will be aiming to re-establish themselves as one of the premier programs in the conference.
“We’re coming to the SEC to compete, to win, and to prove that Texas belongs at the top level of college football. We don’t take this move lightly, and neither should anyone else. We are not here to be just another team in the conference. We’re here to be a contender,” Sarkisian said during a press conference.
This message resonates with recruits, fans, and players alike. Sarkisian’s confidence in his program and his vision for the future of Texas football are exactly what the Longhorns need as they prepare to enter a more competitive environment. While many teams in the SEC are battle-tested and accustomed to the rigors of the conference, Sarkisian believes that the Longhorns have the tools to succeed immediately. He has built a foundation that will allow Texas to compete at the highest level, and he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the program will be prepared for the challenges ahead.
Recruiting: A Key Factor in Sarkisian’s Vision
One of the biggest factors in Sarkisian’s plan for the future of Texas is his ability to recruit elite talent. In today’s college football landscape, success on the field is directly tied to recruiting success. And when it comes to recruiting, Sarkisian has been nothing short of impressive. Since his arrival at Texas, he has been able to bring in some of the nation’s top recruits, many of whom are expected to make an immediate impact on the program.
The signing of Quinn Ewers was one of the first major signs that Sarkisian could bring in the type of talent needed to elevate the program. Ewers, a former five-star recruit, was one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in his class and is expected to be the centerpiece of Texas’ offense for the next several years. His addition provides Sarkisian with the type of quarterback he needs to run his high-powered offense and gives the Longhorns an instant star to build around.
But it’s not just Ewers that has caught the attention of college football observers. Sarkisian has also been able to recruit talented wide receivers, running backs, and offensive linemen, as well as shore up Texas’ defensive unit. The 2023 recruiting class, for instance, included several top-rated prospects, including Jonah Wilson, a four-star wide receiver, and Kelvin Banks, a five-star offensive tackle. The Longhorns have also made strides in recruiting top defensive players, further adding to the team’s talent pool.
Sarkisian’s ability to attract top-tier talent is not just limited to high school recruits. He has also been active in the transfer portal, securing several key additions that have the potential to make an immediate impact. By combining high school recruits with transfers, Sarkisian has been able to fill key positions of need and build a more balanced and complete team.
Recruiting will continue to be a key part of Texas’ future success. Sarkisian’s track record in this area, particularly in attracting top quarterbacks, has already helped set Texas apart from many of its rivals. Moving forward, the Longhorns’ success in recruiting will be essential for their ability to compete with the elite programs in the SEC.
Player Development: Turning Talent into Winners
While recruiting is crucial, it’s what a coach does with the talent once it arrives on campus that ultimately determines success. This is where Sarkisian’s ability to develop players comes into play. Sarkisian has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks and offensive players, particularly in his time at Alabama. Under his guidance, quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones went on to have successful careers, both in college and in the NFL.
At Texas, Sarkisian has already begun to showcase his ability to develop talent. The improvement in the team’s offense from year one to year two under his leadership has been noticeable. Sarkisian has worked with Quinn Ewers to improve his mechanics and decision-making, helping the young quarterback make significant strides as a passer. Additionally, Sarkisian has helped develop Texas’ receiving corps, making them more dynamic and explosive, which is essential in his pass-heavy offensive system.
But Sarkisian’s player development efforts are not limited to just the offensive side of the ball. The Longhorns’ defense has also shown signs of improvement, with defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski working to build a more disciplined and aggressive unit. The combination of player development on both sides of the ball has allowed Texas to field a more complete team, one that is capable of competing with the top programs in the country.
As Sarkisian continues to recruit elite talent and develop players, Texas will become a more well-rounded program, capable of competing with the best in the SEC. Sarkisian’s focus on player development will be crucial for ensuring that the Longhorns can make the jump to the next level.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While Sarkisian has made significant strides with the Texas program, there are still plenty of challenges ahead. The move to the SEC will present a new set of obstacles, and the competition will be fiercer than ever. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU have long been the gold standard in the SEC, and it will take time for Texas to establish itself as a contender in the conference.
However, Sarkisian’s message has been clear: Texas is not just looking to be a participant in the SEC — they are coming to win. With the foundation that has been laid, the strong recruiting classes coming in, and the development of the team under Sarkisian’s leadership, the Longhorns have the tools to compete with the best. The future of Texas football is bright, and Sarkisian’s leadership will be the driving force behind the program’s resurgence.
As the Longhorns prepare for the challenges of the SEC, one thing is clear: the future of Texas football is in good hands. Sarkisian has a vision for the program, and that vision is one of sustained success, elite competition, and national championships. Texas is on the rise, and the Longhorns are ready to take on the best that college football has to offer.
