What the Longhorns Need to Win the National Championship is Discussed by a Texas Star Duo

The Texas Longhorns have long been one of college football’s most storied programs, rich in tradition and talent. Despite that, the team has faced an array of challenges over the years, trying to break through and claim their first national championship since the 2005 season. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have steadily improved, and with the 2025 season on the horizon, they find themselves poised to make a serious run at the title. But what will it take for Texas to finally get over the hump and bring home another championship?

In a recent discussion with two of the program’s brightest stars, offensive lineman Kelvin Banks and quarterback Quinn Ewers, the pair shed light on what needs to happen for the Longhorns to reclaim the ultimate prize in college football. These two players, each a key figure in Texas’ hopes for a national title, gave their insights into what the team needs to accomplish in order to secure that coveted trophy.

A Strong Offensive Line

For Texas to make a serious push for a national title, the play of the offensive line will be crucial. As one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the country, Kelvin Banks understands just how important the trench warfare is to the Longhorns’ success. The junior out of Humble, Texas, has become a pillar for the offensive line, drawing attention as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

“The line has to be solid, not just physically but mentally,” Banks said. “We can’t afford to make mistakes when it comes to blocking, especially in crucial moments. We’ve got the talent, but the mental aspect is just as important. Every play counts, and we have to be able to execute at the highest level every single snap.”

Indeed, Texas’ offensive line will be tested in multiple ways, facing some of the toughest defensive fronts in college football, including teams like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Kansas State. However, with Banks leading the charge, the Longhorns can feel confident in their ability to compete with anyone. His combination of size, agility, and strength is key to ensuring that the team’s quarterback, running backs, and passing game have the protection they need to be successful.

Quinn Ewers: The Quarterback’s Role

A national championship run is rarely successful without strong quarterback play. Texas has been in a bit of a quarterback carousel since the days of Colt McCoy, but the emergence of Quinn Ewers in recent seasons has provided stability and hope for the Longhorns. The sophomore from Southlake, Texas, is a highly touted prospect with all the physical tools to lead a team to the national championship.

Ewers is already showing great promise with his powerful arm, deep-ball accuracy, and leadership skills. However, he acknowledges that for Texas to win the championship, he must continue to improve and play his best in the most critical moments.

“Consistency is key,” Ewers said. “I’ve got the arm and the ability, but I need to make sure I’m staying locked in, reading defenses, and not forcing anything. We’ve got so much talent on offense with guys like Xavier Worthy and Bijan Robinson, but it all starts with me being able to distribute the ball effectively and making the right decisions under pressure.”

Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his early career, but like most quarterbacks aiming for a national title, his development over the next season will be critical. He must be able to make quick decisions and adapt when the game is on the line. Fortunately for Ewers, his supporting cast is one of the best in the nation, which should take some pressure off his shoulders.

Playmaking Ability at Wide Receiver

No national championship run is complete without a talented wide receiver corps. The Longhorns have one of the most explosive receiving groups in the nation, led by the dynamic Xavier Worthy. A preseason All-American and one of the top playmakers in college football, Worthy provides a deep-threat presence that forces defenses to account for him at all times.

“Xavier is a special player,” Ewers said. “He’s one of those guys that can take the top off of any defense. But we’ve got a lot of weapons, and we need to use all of them to be successful.”

Worthy isn’t the only option in Texas’ receiving game, though. The Longhorns also boast a solid group of wideouts, including Jordan Whittington, who has proven to be a reliable target over the years. In addition, the emergence of freshman standout Johntay Cook could provide another dimension to the Longhorns’ passing game, making them even more dangerous.

The ability to stretch the field and convert on third downs will be essential for Texas’ offense. When defenses are forced to cover the full range of the field, they open up the possibility for big plays both down the field and in the short passing game. With Worthy and others, the Longhorns are in a strong position to capitalize on mismatches and create explosive plays.

Running Back Depth with Bijan Robinson

One of the most crucial elements of any championship-winning team is a strong running game. For Texas, that responsibility has largely fallen on the shoulders of star running back Bijan Robinson. The junior out of Tucson, Arizona, is considered one of the best running backs in college football, with the ability to break tackles, outrun defenders, and dominate in both the run and pass games.

Robinson’s ability to carry the load, especially in tough, grind-it-out situations, will be essential for Texas as they look to secure a national title. His versatility allows the Longhorns to rely on him in a multitude of ways. Whether it’s between the tackles or in the passing game, Robinson’s ability to make plays will be a key factor.

“We’ve got to use Bijan in a lot of different ways,” Banks explained. “He’s a weapon that defenses are going to have to account for, and it’s up to us to make sure we open up holes for him to do what he does best. If we can get Bijan in space and let him work, we’re going to be tough to stop.”

Additionally, Texas has good depth at the running back position, with players like Roschon Johnson and Keilan Robinson ready to contribute in critical moments. The running back unit’s ability to churn out yardage and maintain possession will help the offense control the game and keep opposing offenses off the field.

Defensive Improvement and Playmakers

While the offense is undeniably talented, the defense will also play a major role in the Longhorns’ pursuit of a national championship. The Texas defense, under the leadership of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, has shown great improvement over the past few seasons. In 2024, the Longhorns ranked among the top defenses in the Big 12, but they will need to elevate their play even further to compete on a national level.

The defensive line, led by star edge rusher Barryn Sorrell, is the backbone of this defense. Sorrell’s ability to get to the quarterback and disrupt the pocket will be vital as Texas faces some of the nation’s top quarterbacks in the coming season.

“Our defense has been playing with a chip on its shoulder,” said Sorrell. “We’ve been improving every year, and we know that we need to step up and be dominant for this team to make a deep run. We’ve got the talent on this defense, and we just need to put it all together.”

Another area of focus will be the Longhorns’ secondary, where players like Jerrin Thompson and Austin Jordan will be tasked with shutting down elite wide receivers. The ability of the secondary to cover in one-on-one situations will allow the defensive front to be more aggressive, knowing that their backs are covered in the passing game.

Special Teams Play

No team can ignore the importance of special teams when it comes to a national championship run. From kickoffs to field goals, special teams can often be the deciding factor in close games. The Longhorns have one of the best kickers in college football in Bert Auburn, and his accuracy from long distances will be a valuable asset as the team looks to capitalize on every scoring opportunity.

“Special teams might not always get the glory, but we know that every kick, every punt return, every field position battle counts,” Banks said. “We’ve got a solid group in all areas, and we’re going to rely on them when we need them most.”

The Path to the Title

To make a run at the national championship, Texas will face a challenging schedule in 2025, including high-profile matchups against top-ranked teams like Alabama and Oklahoma. The Longhorns must navigate the grueling Big 12 schedule while staying focused on the ultimate prize. Their ability to execute consistently on offense, defense, and special teams will be crucial as they prepare for the postseason.

The star duo of Ewers and Banks both agree that the key to a national championship is not only talent but a team-wide commitment to discipline and execution. The Longhorns must be at their best every game, and it all starts with the leadership from within the locker room.

“Championships are won in the offseason, during the tough moments when no one is watching,” said Banks. “We’ve got to continue pushing ourselves, holding each other accountable, and staying focused on the big picture.”

With the foundation in place, the Texas Longhorns have the talent and determination to win the national championship. But it will require everyone, from the players to the coaching staff, to be on the same page and perform at the highest level. As Banks and Ewers have demonstrated, the pieces are in place, but the road to glory will not be easy. Every snap, every play, and every game will matter as the Longhorns chase their ultimate goal: a national championship.