It's now or never for Texas Longhorns in Big 12, ESPN College GameDay says

It’s now or never for the Texas Longhorns in 2023. ESPN’s College GameDay crew detailed why this could be Steve Sarkisian’s best team, but they have to make it happen before going to the SEC in 2024.

With Quinn Ewers under center, Xavier Worthy back at wide receiver and an improving defense, Texas is one to watch out for. But get it done this fall.

“It’s the last year of this Big 12 as we know it, but they’re going into the deep water next year,” Kirk Herbstreit said. “So I think it’s more about continuing to prove to themselves that they can play with teams, not just in this conference, but with Alabama and Texas A&M and LSU and everybody else. 

“But man, they’re loaded and Sark’s culture is starting to take over. Quinn Ewers has a year under his belt, AD Mitchell comes over to join Xavier Worthy, they got a lot of weapons that appears, on paper, to definitely be the team to beat in the Big 12.”

Desmond Howard agreed on the culture change and doubled down that this is the best chance for Texas to win the Big 12

“Sarkisian is starting to change the culture and now because he’s had at least two recruiting cycles under his belt he’s getting in his talent,” Howard said. “Quinn Ewers, he got hurt in the Alabama game. Some people think that was a difference. I’m not sure, I think Alabama was going to win that game anyway. 

“But besides that, I love the fact that they understand that they have some talent and Sarkisian is a heck of a coach, but this is the time for Texas if they’re going to win the Big 12. Like Kirk said, now you’re taking the step up in competition next year when they go to the SEC. This is the year for them to win the Big 12 and maybe get to the College Football Playoff.”

Texas has to replace Bijan Robinson, which is no easy task. But this is a team without the dynamic running back and pegged to be better than last year.

“They lose Bijan Robinson which is obviously a massive weapon for Texas offense and he’s gonna be incredible on Sundays and Mondays and Thursdays and whenever they play NFL football,” Pat McAfee said.

“But like they got (Arch) Manning sitting in as backup to and I’m not gonna say that’s gonna motivate Quinn Ewers to be the best version of himself, but Quinn Ewers understands that this is the year. And what he was able to prove last year and do last year before he got hurt, I’m excited to watch this Texas team.”