Texas Betting on Strategy: Sarkisian, Banks Ramp Up Efforts to Land Bowman as NIL Pressure Mounts — Will Delayed Aggression Yield Victory or Regret?

The University of Texas is no stranger to high-stakes recruiting wars. But in their pursuit of elite offensive lineman Michael “Big Mike” Bowman, the Longhorns are taking a calculated risk — choosing to play the long game while rivals push hard with early Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offers. Now, as Bowman’s recruitment heads into its critical final stretch, the question looms large: will Texas’s methodical, patient strategy pay dividends or prove costly?

Bowman, a towering force on the offensive line out of Georgia, has become one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 recruiting cycle. A top national target with a rare combination of size, power, and athleticism, he’s drawn heavy attention from SEC powerhouses and beyond. Georgia, Alabama, and LSU — among others — have rolled out the red carpet, with NIL conversations and guarantees reportedly part of the early courtship.

Rather than throwing down early financial figures or making flashy promises, the Longhorns have instead prioritized long-term relationships, development talk, and the NFL pipeline. Much of their recruiting pitch has focused on what Texas has already proven — especially under Flood’s guidance. Names like Kelvin Banks Jr., Christian Jones, and Cam Williams are cited regularly as examples of linemen who have flourished in the Longhorns’ system. It’s a message rooted in patience, faith in development, and a belief that real value comes not just in upfront NIL offers, but in what the program builds over time.

This slower, more deliberate approach aligns with Texas’s recent strategy of trusting the strength of its brand, its SEC move, and its elite development staff. However, it’s also one that requires a degree of risk tolerance. As Bowman’s timeline shortens and other schools continue to pressure him with aggressive NIL packages, Texas now finds itself at a crucial crossroads.

In recent weeks, sources close to Bowman’s recruitment have confirmed that Texas is beginning to shift gears. Sarkisian and Banks have increased communication, with the message intensifying. The Longhorns are making clear that they see Bowman as a top priority. Notably, there’s growing belief that Texas will enter the NIL arena more directly in the final stretch — albeit without losing the developmental-first pitch that has underpinned their approach.

One thing working in Texas’s favor is Bowman’s respect for Banks Jr., the Longhorns’ All-American left tackle. Bowman has openly expressed admiration for how Banks rose quickly in the college ranks, starting as a true freshman and now preparing for a likely first-round NFL Draft selection. Texas has also drawn praise from Bowman’s inner circle for how they’ve handled recruiting — staying consistent, honest, and professional throughout.

Programs that wait too long to show their full hand risk being left behind. NIL has redefined timelines. Recruits now expect a clearer financial picture earlier in the process, and Texas — for all its prestige — isn’t immune to that pressure. If they delay too much longer, the risk of Bowman locking in elsewhere becomes very real.

Insiders believe the upcoming official visits could be decisive. Bowman is expected to visit multiple campuses in June, with Texas reportedly among the final stops. That gives Sarkisian and Flood a critical window to deliver their full pitch — NIL included — with clarity and urgency. If Texas can match or come close to the financial figures of others while emphasizing their proven development model, they could still emerge as a favorite.

But if they hold back? If they rely too heavily on patience and prestige without matching the momentum of other programs? That may leave them on the outside looking in.

It’s a familiar conundrum in the NIL era: how do you balance short-term incentives with long-term value? For Texas, that balance is being tested in real-time with Bowman — a potential franchise cornerstone on the offensive line.

Sarkisian’s staff has built a reputation for landing elite talent with a professional, NFL-minded pitch. But NIL has changed the game. No longer is it just about the fit, the coaching, or the dream of Sundays. Now, recruits — and their families — are weighing present opportunities alongside future ones.

In the end, Texas’s success with Bowman may come down to timing. If they push the right buttons late and show Bowman he can both thrive and profit in Austin, they could pull off a major recruiting win. But if they hesitate too long, patience may be remembered not as a virtue — but as a miscalculation.