Steve Sarkisian claims Texas has the 'best culture in college football'
‘Texas is a back’ is a phrase that’s probably been overused and questioned more than most in the college football landscape in recent history, as many have long desired for the Longhorns to return to their glory days following a long stretch of not meeting their own lofty expectations.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian surely brought the program ‘back’ last season after leading Texas to their first Big 12 Championship win and 12 win season since 2009, not to mention their first ever appearance in the College Football Playoff.
Sarkisian recently reflected on his rebuild of the program and the state of the Longhorns as they embark on a new chapter of the school’s history. Entering the renowned Southeastern Conference this upcoming season.
“We’re going to be plenty talented, right? I’m not concerned about us being talented,” Sarkisian said. “It’s making sure that we’re playing at our best when our best is needed in the critical moments of games, and you play your best when you trust the guy next to you or when you can be accountable to the guy next to you and not feel like you have to go out on your own and do something out of character. We’ve got to live every day that way.”
Sarkisian has helped the Longhorns take a step in the right direction in regards to recruiting, boasting a top five recruiting class in the nation in two of the last three seasons [according to On3’s Industry Football Team Recruiting Rankings] with success in the transfer portal as well.
But establishing a strong culture and getting the very most out of that talent is what separates the good from the great in college football. A culture that Sarkisian is clearly confident in ahead of the 2024 season.
“I think that’s something we’ve done a great job of over four years, and I’m not trying to be arrogant in saying that. I just believe that. I think we have the best culture in college football, but we have to recreate it every year. Culture doesn’t just carry over from one year to the next,” Sarkisian said.
Like last season, year four at the helm for Sarkisian will feature yet another team loaded with talent and potential. But will the Longhorns take the leap and not fall short in the postseason?
A new conference and an unprecedented 12-team playoff field stands in Texas’ way. But if their culture is as strong as Sarkisian says, Texas may not just be back this upcoming season, but on top of college football’s mountaintop as national champions.