As the University of Texas football program prepares for its first appearance in the College Football Playoff (CFP), head coach Steve Sarkisian has taken time to reflect on the long road that led them to this historic moment. In an exclusive interview, Sarkisian spoke candidly about the challenges, growth, and ambition that has defined his journey at Texas, as well as the opportunity to change the narrative surrounding the program.
“It’s been a process, and we’ve been talking about changing the culture here at Texas, changing the way we approach things,” said Sarkisian. “But we can change the narrative, only if we take care of business on the field. This is a team that has put in the work, and we now have the chance to show everyone what we’re truly capable of.”
Sarkisian, who took the reins of the Longhorns in 2021, has steadily built a program with an eye on returning Texas to national prominence. The expectations for the program have always been sky-high, given the school’s storied history in college football. However, the Longhorns have been in a period of transition for several years, with coaching changes and fluctuating performance levels.
Sarkisian’s tenure, while met with early criticism, has seen remarkable progress. In just his third season at Texas, the Longhorns managed to win the Big 12 Championship, clinching a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time since the format was introduced in 2014. Sarkisian’s leadership has been instrumental in not only building a competitive roster but also in cultivating a winning mindset that has resonated across the team.
“I knew coming here that we had to shift the mindset of our players, our coaches, and our fans,” Sarkisian continued. “There’s a lot of history, a lot of pressure to win, but this is about focusing on the task at hand. Every game, every practice, every rep matters. When you break it down that way, it gives you the best chance to succeed.”
Sarkisian has also emphasized the importance of consistency and development. The Longhorns have seen significant improvements in their recruiting, player development, and overall program infrastructure. The decision to start quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has grown into one of the top signal-callers in the country, has paid off, with Ewers leading the offense with poise and precision. On the defensive side, Texas has boasted one of the nation’s top units, led by standout players who have excelled in both pass rush and coverage.
But Sarkisian knows that the path to changing the narrative about Texas football is not simply about making the CFP. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “It’s one thing to get here, but we need to prove we belong. We need to keep building, keep getting better, and make sure we’re taking advantage of this opportunity.”
For many Longhorns fans, this is a long-awaited return to the national stage after years of disappointment and rebuilding. Texas is now squarely in the spotlight, and for Sarkisian, the opportunity to not only change the narrative but also solidify the future of Texas football is what motivates him every day.
The College Football Playoff presents a fresh chance for Sarkisian and the Longhorns to announce their arrival as a national contender. With the right mindset and a disciplined approach, the Texas football program could be poised for continued success under Sarkisian’s leadership.
As the team readies itself for the playoff games ahead, the focus remains clear: prove that Texas belongs among the elite, and rewrite the story of a program that has long been defined by unfulfilled potential.
“We can change the narrative,” Sarkisian concluded, “but we can only do it if we take care of business one play at a time, one game at a time.”
As the Longhorns step onto the field in the CFP, they carry with them not just the weight of expectation, but also the promise of a new era—one that will ultimately be defined by what they do on the field.
