Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns Put NCAA On Notice: ‘We’re Close to Playing Even Better’
Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has delivered a message to the rest of the NCAA football world: his team is on the verge of reaching an even higher level of play. After a strong start to the 2024 season, the Longhorns, currently ranked as one of the top teams in the nation, have their eyes set on a return to the pinnacle of college football. Sarkisian, known for his offensive expertise and leadership, believes that despite their impressive performances thus far, the Longhorns have yet to fully reach their potential.
### A Promising Start to the Season
The 2024 season has been a promising one for Texas, with the team showing significant improvements across both offense and defense. Under Sarkisian’s guidance, the Longhorns have taken major strides in key areas such as consistency, discipline, and execution, which has led them to victories over several tough opponents. The team’s impressive wins have not gone unnoticed, as Texas has been a fixture in the top 10 of the national rankings, fueling the excitement and expectations from the fanbase and media alike.
Texas has been particularly dominant offensively, with a high-powered attack that ranks among the best in the country. Led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns have consistently put up big numbers, combining a balanced run-pass game with explosive plays downfield. Ewers, who has flourished in Sarkisian’s offensive system, has been one of the standout players in college football, earning national attention and making a case for the Heisman Trophy.
On the defensive side, the Longhorns have also made noticeable improvements. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage, limit big plays, and generate turnovers has played a key role in their success so far. This well-rounded approach has made Texas one of the most formidable teams in the country, and their combination of talent and coaching has many believing they could make a deep run in the postseason.
### Sarkisian’s Confidence in the Longhorns’ Growth
Despite the success, Sarkisian remains focused on the task at hand, knowing that the ultimate goal is still ahead. In recent press conferences, the Texas head coach has spoken about how the team’s best football is still in front of them. “We’re close to playing even better,” Sarkisian stated confidently, acknowledging that while the Longhorns have had a strong start, there are areas for improvement that could take them to an elite level.
Sarkisian pointed to a few key areas where he believes the Longhorns can sharpen their game. One of the main focuses has been minimizing mistakes and penalties, which have occasionally hindered their ability to sustain drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities. The coaching staff has emphasized discipline and execution in practice, aiming to eliminate unforced errors that could be costly against tougher competition.
“We’ve been doing a lot of great things, but we need to clean up some details,” Sarkisian explained. “We’re still making little mistakes that we know we can correct, and when we do that, I think we’re going to be even more dangerous.”
In addition to fine-tuning their execution, Sarkisian has also spoken about the importance of maintaining intensity and focus throughout the entire game. While Texas has shown flashes of brilliance, there have been stretches where the team’s performance has dipped, allowing opponents to stay in games longer than expected. Sarkisian has been pushing his players to play with a sense of urgency for all four quarters, knowing that consistency will be key as they approach the tougher part of their schedule.
### Eyes on the Playoff
With the team riding high and confidence growing, Texas fans are beginning to dream of a possible return to the College Football Playoff (CFP). The Longhorns have not been in the CFP since its inception in 2014, and a postseason run would be a monumental achievement for the program. Sarkisian, however, has been careful not to let the playoff chatter distract the team from the immediate task at hand: winning the next game.
“Everyone’s talking about the playoff, but we have to stay focused on the next game,” Sarkisian said. “We’re in a good spot, but we can’t afford to look ahead. Every week is a challenge, and we have to take care of business one game at a time. If we do that, everything else will fall into place.”
The Longhorns’ remaining schedule includes several high-stakes matchups that will test the team’s mettle and provide them with opportunities to solidify their standing in the national rankings. Sarkisian is fully aware that a single misstep could derail their CFP hopes, and he has been emphasizing the importance of preparation and execution each week.
### Sarkisian’s Vision for Texas
Since taking over the program in 2021, Sarkisian has worked to instill a new culture and mindset within the Longhorns. His vision for Texas has been centered around building a championship-caliber program, one that can consistently compete for national titles. Through recruiting, player development, and a commitment to excellence, Sarkisian has brought Texas back into the national conversation, and it is clear that the program is trending in the right direction.
In his third season, Sarkisian’s vision is starting to come to fruition, as Texas is now regarded as one of the top teams in the country. The players have bought into his system, and the results are showing on the field. The Longhorns are playing with confidence, swagger, and a belief that they can compete with anyone.
Sarkisian’s offensive expertise, which was honed during his time as the offensive coordinator at Alabama, has been a key factor in Texas’ resurgence. His ability to develop quarterbacks and design creative, high-powered offenses has elevated the Longhorns’ attack to one of the best in the nation. With Ewers flourishing under his guidance and a talented supporting cast around him, Sarkisian’s offense has become a nightmare for opposing defenses.
But perhaps even more important than the X’s and O’s, Sarkisian has brought a renewed sense of toughness and discipline to the program. Texas has become a more physical team, both in the trenches and on the defensive side of the ball, which has been a critical factor in their success against top competition.
### Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Longhorns to see if they can continue their upward trajectory and make a legitimate push for the College Football Playoff. With Sarkisian at the helm, Texas appears poised for greatness, and the rest of the NCAA has been put on notice. The Longhorns are close to playing their best football, and if they can continue to improve, they have the potential to become one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
For Texas fans, the future looks bright. Sarkisian has laid the foundation for sustained success, and the Longhorns are on the verge of reclaiming their place among college football’s elite. As the 2024 season unfolds, Texas is set to be a force to be reckoned with, and their head coach’s bold proclamation serves as a warning to the rest of the NCAA: the Longhorns are just getting started.
