Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Redemption: Longhorns Poised for College Football Playoff Amid SEC Chaos
When Steve Sarkisian was named head coach of the Texas Longhorns in January 2021, many wondered if he could restore a once-dominant program to national prominence. Three years later, Sarkisian has silenced critics, guiding Texas to its first-ever College Football Playoff berth and putting the Longhorns on the national stage as they prepare for an even bigger move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) next season.
The journey has been anything but smooth. Sarkisian inherited a program stuck in mediocrity and inconsistent performances under previous regimes. The Longhorns had not won a Big 12 title since 2009 and were a far cry from their glory days under Mack Brown. Yet, with patience, key recruiting wins, and a focus on building a resilient culture, Sarkisian has engineered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football.
### Building a Winning Culture
From day one, Sarkisian emphasized discipline and accountability. Drawing from his experiences as an assistant under Nick Saban at Alabama, he implemented a structured program focused on player development and team cohesion. His approach was not an immediate success, as Texas struggled to a 5-7 record in his first season. However, signs of improvement were evident, especially in the competitive spirit his team displayed.
By the 2022 season, the Longhorns had started to gel. A narrow loss to Alabama early in the season demonstrated Texas could compete with the nation’s best. Although they missed out on the Big 12 title that year, the foundation for sustained success was firmly in place.
Key to Sarkisian’s resurgence was his ability to recruit top-tier talent. He secured commitments from high-profile players, including quarterback Quinn Ewers, who transferred from Ohio State, and standout defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat. These additions, along with strong player development, helped Texas become a more balanced and formidable team on both sides of the ball.
### A Dominant 2024 Campaign
This season, Texas has played with a level of confidence and consistency not seen in years. The Longhorns dominated the Big 12, finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record, including a signature win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Their lone loss, a nail-biter against Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, was avenged in the Big 12 Championship Game, where Texas cruised to a convincing victory.
Ewers has been the catalyst for the Longhorns’ offensive resurgence, displaying poise and precision in key moments. Meanwhile, the defense, led by Sweat and linebacker Jaylan Ford, has been suffocating, consistently shutting down opposing offenses. Texas ranked among the top teams nationally in both scoring offense and defense, a testament to Sarkisian’s ability to build a complete team.
### SEC Chaos and Texas’ Path to the Playoff
The Longhorns’ return to prominence coincides with a turbulent year for the SEC. Traditional powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia faced unexpected challenges, opening the door for other programs to make playoff pushes. This shifting landscape benefited Texas, which capitalized on its momentum and strength of schedule to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
While some skeptics question whether Texas can sustain its success in the more competitive SEC, Sarkisian’s track record suggests the Longhorns are well-prepared for the transition. His familiarity with the conference, having coached at Alabama, provides valuable insight into the challenges ahead.
### Redemption for Sarkisian
For Sarkisian, this season represents personal and professional redemption. Once dismissed from USC amid personal struggles, he has rebuilt his career step by step, regaining respect as an offensive guru and now as a head coach capable of leading a program to the pinnacle of college football.
His journey mirrors Texas’ rise from mediocrity to prominence. Both coach and program have faced adversity, but together they’ve crafted a narrative of resilience and renewal.