Steve Sarkisian Shows Signs of Strain as Texas Longhorns Open Fall Camp With Sky-High Expectations and Championship Ambitions

Steve Sarkisian Shows Signs of Strain as Texas Longhorns Open Fall Camp With Sky-High Expectations and Championship Ambitions

Steve Sarkisian looked noticeably drawn as he stood before reporters on Wednesday afternoon, the scorching Texas sun bearing down after the Longhorns’ first official practice of the fall. The third-year Texas head coach, now tasked with navigating the pressure of a preseason top-five ranking, offered measured responses and a guarded tone—an outward reflection of the weight he now carries in leading a program brimming with expectations.

The 2025 season marks a pivotal juncture in Sarkisian’s tenure. With the Longhorns entering their first year in the Southeastern Conference and armed with one of the most talented rosters in the country, anything less than a College Football Playoff berth would likely be viewed as a disappointment. This is no longer a rebuilding effort or a “trust the process” phase; this is the year where Texas is expected to be, definitively, back. And while Sarkisian has proven capable of building a formidable foundation, he now must prove he can finish the job.

Wednesday’s practice brought no shortage of energy. Pads popped. Quarterback Quinn Ewers delivered crisp throws. Wide receivers ran sharp routes. Defensive backs communicated with intensity. But the tension in the air was unmistakable. Everyone knows what’s at stake this season. This is not a program simply hoping to win the Big 12 anymore. This is Texas, now facing the SEC gauntlet, trying to reestablish itself as one of the nation’s true blue bloods—and doing so under intense national scrutiny.

Sarkisian’s face seemed to tell the story of a coach who understands just how high the bar has been set. While he’s weathered high-pressure roles before—including as offensive coordinator at Alabama and head coach at USC—there’s a different magnitude to this moment. Texas is not a patient place. The boosters, the fans, the media, and even the internal administration expect immediate results, especially now that the team is armed with depth, star power, and stability at quarterback.

And yet, Sarkisian remains focused on the fundamentals. He emphasized discipline and accountability during his post-practice remarks. “We’re not getting ahead of ourselves,” he said, voice slightly hoarse from directing drills under the summer sun. “There’s a lot of football to be played. We’ve got to clean up details, stay healthy, and keep getting better every day.”

Still, there’s a sense that Sarkisian knows the margin for error is razor thin. Texas fans have waited more than a decade for their team to return to national prominence. They remember the years of mediocrity under Charlie Strong and Tom Herman. Sarkisian brought a new level of professionalism and offensive creativity, and last year’s 12-2 campaign—capped by a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff semifinal appearance—seemed to affirm that Texas is finally on the right track.

But success brings scrutiny. With Alabama and Georgia looming as conference foes, and rival Oklahoma still dangerous, Texas no longer has the luxury of growing pains. Every game will be a battle. Every week will be a test of depth and resilience. That’s why this fall camp carries more weight than usual. It’s not just about installing schemes or getting freshmen up to speed. It’s about preparing for the grind of the SEC, where physicality and attrition often separate contenders from pretenders.

On the field, Sarkisian has much to be excited about. Quinn Ewers is entering his third season as a starter and looks every bit the part of a first-round NFL Draft pick. He’s matured as a leader, sharpened his mechanics, and gained the trust of the locker room. The offensive line returns four starters. The receiving corps, even after the departures of Xavier Worthy and AD Mitchell to the NFL, remains loaded with talent—Johntay Cook, Isaiah Bond, and true freshman Ryan Wingo are all expected to play major roles.

The defense, too, appears poised to take a leap forward. Led by defensive tackles T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II last year, Texas dominated the line of scrimmage. With Murphy gone to the NFL but Sweat returning, the pressure now shifts to emerging stars like Ethan Burke and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. The defensive backfield, a concern in recent seasons, now has depth and versatility thanks to key transfer additions and improved development.

But for all the star power, Sarkisian knows championships are won in the margins. Texas had moments last year where special teams lapses or red zone inefficiency nearly derailed their momentum. That can’t happen this season. Sarkisian and his staff have reportedly placed a heightened emphasis on situational football, clock management, and tackling fundamentals during camp. These are the details that make the difference in one-possession games—exactly the kind of games Texas will find itself in during SEC play.

Off the field, Sarkisian is also balancing the demands of NIL, the transfer portal, and media obligations. Texas is one of the most visible programs in the country, and that visibility comes with noise—rumors, criticism, expectations. Managing a locker room in this era of college football requires a deft touch, and Sarkisian has had to grow into that role. From the outside, he looks worn by it at times, but his players swear by his steadiness and clarity.

One of Sarkisian’s most admirable traits, according to those close to the program, is his authenticity. He’s not a rah-rah motivator or a micromanager. He trusts his assistants and leans into player leadership. But he also doesn’t shy away from hard conversations. When mistakes happen, accountability is swift. When players slack, intensity ramps up. That balance of respect and discipline is what has allowed Texas to elevate its standards without fracturing its culture.

Wednesday’s practice ended with team conditioning and a quiet huddle at midfield. Sarkisian’s words to the team weren’t shared publicly, but several players hinted that the message centered around focus and legacy. This isn’t just another season. This is the season. For the first time since the Colt McCoy era, Texas enters a year with the real possibility of finishing in the top four and hoisting a national title trophy.

The Longhorns have the tools. Now it’s about execution. That starts with Sarkisian. As he fielded questions and wiped sweat from his brow, it was clear that he understands what’s ahead. The stress, the scrutiny, the stakes—he’s embraced it all. Whether or not Texas meets the lofty expectations set before them will depend largely on how Sarkisian navigates the next several months.

For now, he’ll keep showing up, clipboard in hand, voice sharp with instruction, eyes scanning for any sign of complacency. It’s what he signed up for when he took this job. This fall, he’s no longer building toward a future. He’s coaching in the present. And everyone in Texas is watching.