Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, has been at the helm of a program that has seen a steady and consistent rise under his leadership. With the Longhorns transitioning into the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and preparing for their biggest challenges yet, Sarkisian’s recent appearance on the SEC Coaches Teleconference provided valuable insights into his team’s progress, the challenges they face, and his vision for the future.
Sarkisian, known for his candid demeanor and sharp football mind, addressed a wide range of topics during the call. From evaluating the growth of his squad to analyzing the development of his quarterback, Quinn Ewers, and even discussing Texas’ shift to the SEC, Sarkisian’s comments gave an in-depth look at the state of the program.
When asked about the overall progression of his team, Sarkisian took a measured approach. He acknowledged that while there has been significant improvement, there are still areas where the Longhorns need to focus in order to compete at the highest level, especially with the SEC looming on the horizon. Sarkisian, who took over the Texas program in 2021, spoke about the importance of building a solid foundation.
“We’ve made great strides in terms of our overall talent and depth, and we’re getting better every week,” Sarkisian said. “But what’s most important to me is that we continue to develop consistency, especially in areas like our offensive and defensive lines. You can have all the skill players you want, but it all starts in the trenches. We’re building that up, but it’s a process, and it’s something we’ll continue to focus on.”
Sarkisian’s acknowledgment of the need for continued development of his team’s physicality, particularly on both sides of the ball in the line of scrimmage, shows his understanding of the challenges ahead. The SEC is known for its hard-nosed, physical football, and Texas will have to be ready for that level of intensity once they officially join the conference.
The development of quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his first few seasons, was another focal point in Sarkisian’s comments. Ewers, a former highly-rated recruit, has demonstrated immense potential but also faced some struggles with consistency. Sarkisian was asked about Ewers’ growth as the starting quarterback and what steps the young signal-caller needs to take moving forward.
“Quinn is doing a lot of great things, and we’ve seen some real growth from him,” Sarkisian said. “He’s made huge strides in terms of understanding the offense and making quicker decisions. He’s learning to trust his instincts, which is critical. That’s been a big part of his development, and we’ve been working with him on being more consistent in his decision-making, especially in critical situations.”
Ewers has had his ups and downs, but Sarkisian’s assessment of the young quarterback’s development suggests that the Texas head coach remains confident in his ability to lead the Longhorns going forward. Sarkisian added that the coaching staff has been putting in extra work with Ewers, focusing on his ability to handle pressure and adapt to game situations. As Texas continues to mature as a team, Sarkisian’s attention to Ewers’ growth remains a top priority.
The move to the SEC has been one of the most anticipated transitions in college football history, and Sarkisian addressed the challenges and opportunities that come with it. When asked about the impact of the upcoming shift, Sarkisian was careful to acknowledge the significance of the move while maintaining a focus on the present.
“First and foremost, we’re focused on this season,” Sarkisian emphasized. “But the transition to the SEC is something we’re very excited about. It’s an incredible conference, and it’s a great challenge for our program. We know we’ll be tested week in and week out, but we believe we’re preparing ourselves to compete at that level. Our players are excited about it, and it’s been great to see their response as we get closer to that next chapter.”
Sarkisian also discussed the potential benefits of joining the SEC, particularly in terms of recruiting. The SEC is widely regarded as the toughest conference in college football, and Sarkisian believes that the heightened competition will only make Texas a more attractive destination for top recruits.
“Being in the SEC opens up so many doors for us in terms of recruiting,” he explained. “Players want to compete at the highest level, and the SEC offers that. It’s going to help us bring in even more talent, which will only make us better. We’ve already made strides in recruiting, and we expect that to continue as we join the SEC.”
While Sarkisian is excited about the future, he emphasized that the move to the SEC will not change the team’s current focus. For now, his primary concern is continuing to build on Texas’ foundation and preparing for the challenges that lie ahead, both within the Big 12 and the SEC.
Sarkisian also took time during the teleconference to talk about the importance of special teams and player development. He acknowledged that, while much of the focus is on the offense and defense, special teams often plays a pivotal role in close games, and he’s been working with his coaching staff to ensure that Texas is well-rounded in all three phases of the game.
“We’ve been putting a lot of emphasis on special teams,” Sarkisian said. “It’s an area that can really swing a game, and we’ve been focused on making sure our units are disciplined and play with high energy. It’s a critical part of the game, and we want to be strong in all three phases.”
In terms of player development, Sarkisian reaffirmed his commitment to creating an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the field. His staff works tirelessly to ensure that players are not only prepared for the physical demands of college football but also for their futures after the game.
“We’re all about developing young men,” Sarkisian said. “Football is important, but we want our players to be successful in life after football as well. We focus on developing them as leaders, as students, and as individuals. That’s the type of program we’re building here at Texas.”
Steve Sarkisian’s appearance on the SEC Coaches Teleconference provided a deeper understanding of his approach to coaching and the direction in which he’s taking the Texas Longhorns. His insights into the team’s development, the future challenges in the SEC, and the continued growth of key players like Quinn Ewers show a coach who is confident in his team’s trajectory. As Texas prepares for its transition to the SEC, Sarkisian’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring the Longhorns are ready for the intense competition that awaits them. With a balanced approach focused on both present goals and long-term vision, Sarkisian is leading Texas toward a promising future in college football.