Texas Longhorns: A Resurgence to National Prominence

In recent years, the Texas Longhorns have been a program defined by potential but plagued by inconsistency. The coaching changes, quarterback controversies, and high expectations have created a roller coaster ride for the Longhorn faithful. But with the announcement that Texas has been ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s post-spring ball rankings, the hype surrounding the program is more than just talk—it’s a reflection of the tangible strides made under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

The No. 3 ranking reflects not only the strength of the team on paper but the buzz surrounding the program’s potential to challenge for a College Football Playoff spot and possibly even a national title. It represents a level of expectation that Longhorns fans have not felt in years. But what exactly makes this team deserving of such high praise after spring ball?

One of the most pivotal reasons for Texas’s resurgence has been the leadership of Steve Sarkisian. Hired in January 2021, Sarkisian inherited a program that had been trying to find its identity for years. With the departure of Tom Herman, who couldn’t quite get Texas back to the top, Sarkisian was tasked with taking the Longhorns back to national relevance.

Sarkisian’s first season (2021) was a mixture of ups and downs, with moments of brilliance and stretches of mediocrity. Despite the growing pains, his ability to recruit, along with his offensive mind, kept fans hopeful that the program would eventually be put on the right track. In 2022, the team showed noticeable improvement, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but more importantly, Sarkisian appeared to have settled on his vision for the team.

The No. 3 ranking after spring ball signals that Sarkisian has found his groove and is building something special. The team is no longer just about promising recruits—it’s about harnessing that talent and executing at a championship level. In many ways, the No. 3 ranking is a testament to the steady progress the program has made under his leadership.

There may be no position that has as much weight on the shoulders of the Texas Longhorns heading into the 2025 season as quarterback. Texas has long struggled to find stability at the position, which has contributed to their lack of sustained success. However, the potential of Quinn Ewers, the former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2021 class, has fans optimistic about the future.

Ewers transferred to Texas from Ohio State, and after a somewhat turbulent start to his Texas career, he showed flashes of his immense talent. In the 2023 season, the quarterback grew steadily in confidence and poise. With a full offseason under his belt, expectations for Ewers have skyrocketed as the Longhorns look to build an offense around his ability.

Ewers’ arm talent is arguably the best in the Big 12, and his ability to push the ball downfield while making accurate throws on the run is a weapon that Sarkisian can use to exploit defenses. Spring ball was critical for Ewers to continue developing chemistry with his wide receiver corps, especially after the loss of star wide receiver Xavier Worthy, and to become more consistent in reading defenses.

With all the tools to be a top-tier college quarterback, 2025 will be the year for Ewers to put it all together. The spring camp was a success, and Ewers has emerged as a clear leader of the offense, a role that will be crucial in fulfilling the program’s championship aspirations.

Any great offense starts with a great offensive line, and Texas is looking to build just that. The offensive line has long been a weak point for the Longhorns, but over the past couple of seasons, there has been a concerted effort to improve this unit. Texas’s offensive line during spring ball was widely regarded as one of the program’s strengths, and this has contributed significantly to the No. 3 ranking.

The key to the offensive line’s success has been the development of players like Kelvin Banks Jr., a rising star who had a standout freshman season. Banks, along with a strong group of returning players, gives Texas the foundation to dominate the line of scrimmage. For Ewers to succeed, he needs to be well-protected, and this offensive line looks capable of giving him time in the pocket to make plays.

Additionally, the running game has the potential to be one of the best in the country. With Bijan Robinson’s departure to the NFL, there were questions about how the running back group would perform. However, players like Jonathan Brooks and Keilan Robinson have shown they are more than capable of carrying the load in the backfield. A dominant offensive line combined with strong running backs makes Texas one of the most balanced and potent offenses in the nation.

While the offense is grabbing most of the headlines, Texas’s defense is perhaps the most complete unit the team has seen in years. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, the Longhorns have developed into a team that can compete on both sides of the ball. The defense was a noticeable bright spot in the 2023 season, and after spring ball, the unit looks even stronger.

The defensive line, led by defensive ends like T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy, is among the most disruptive in college football. These players can get after the quarterback and wreak havoc in opposing backfields. The front seven is one of the strongest in the Big 12, and the linebacking corps, with standout players like Jalen Ford, provides both speed and physicality in the middle.

The secondary has also shown significant improvement, with players like Jaiuan Dicks and Ryan Watts providing stability at cornerback. Texas also boasts some of the best safety play in the conference, led by talent like Anthony Cook. With a pass rush capable of disrupting quarterbacks and a secondary that can lock down receivers, the Texas defense has all the pieces in place to be a top-10 unit nationally.

The combination of a talented offensive unit and a defense capable of stifling offenses on a weekly basis makes Texas a legitimate contender in 2025.

Texas has been consistently ranked among the top recruiting classes in the country, and that trend has continued under Sarkisian. The Longhorns’ roster is filled with some of the most talented young players in college football, many of whom are already making an impact. Spring ball allowed these new faces to integrate into the system and show they’re ready to contribute.

Texas’s 2025 recruiting class is one of the best in the country, with high school stars eager to play for a team on the rise. Whether it’s wide receivers, linebackers, or defensive backs, the program is loaded with talent at nearly every position. Sarkisian’s ability to bring in blue-chip recruits and develop them within the system will be key to Texas maintaining its competitive edge.

The Longhorns have become a destination for elite recruits, and that influx of talent will continue to pay dividends in the coming seasons. The level of competition during spring ball made it clear that players on the Texas roster are hungry, and they understand the opportunity in front of them.

The culture surrounding Texas football has always been one of high expectations, and after several down years, the Longhorns’ faithful are excited once again. The No. 3 ranking after spring ball is a reflection of this excitement, as the fanbase has embraced the idea that this program is back in business.

The crowd at spring practices was filled with energy, with fans eagerly watching their team take the field. This is not just a program full of talent—it’s a program with a fanbase that believes in the future. The culture shift is tangible, and the players are feeding off the passion and enthusiasm that has returned to Austin. The city is buzzing with excitement, and the Longhorns have the entire state of Texas behind them as they embark on a season that could define their future.

Texas’s No. 3 ranking after spring ball is not just a result of talent; it’s a sign of progress, a reflection of the hard work and commitment made by both coaches and players. Steve Sarkisian’s vision for Texas football is beginning to take shape, and the Longhorns look poised to compete for championships once again.

With a top-tier quarterback in Quinn Ewers, a dominant offensive line, a complete defense, and a roster full of elite talent, Texas has the pieces to be a contender in 2025. But rankings are just the beginning. The Longhorns will need to prove themselves on the field against tough competition in both the Big 12 and the national stage.

The hype is real, and the expectations are sky-high, but Texas football is no longer just a team with potential—it’s a team that is ready to prove that it belongs among the elite. If they can stay healthy, execute, and perform to their potential, the Longhorns could find themselves not just at No. 3 in the rankings but competing for a national title in 2025.

The hype surrounding Texas football is back, and after years of waiting, it’s time for the Longhorns to make that long-awaited leap back to greatness.