In the rapidly evolving landscape of college football, few coaches have exemplified the balancing act between recruiting, player development, and preparing
for the NFL quite like Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the University of Texas Longhorns. Entering his fourth year at the helm in Austin, Sarkisian is not only tasked with bringing championships back to one of the most tradition-rich programs in college football history but also managing the ever-growing responsibilities and expectations that come with the job in the era of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness), the Transfer Portal, and NFL Draft aspirations.
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This balancing act, which now requires more multitasking than ever before, defines the modern head coach. Sarkisian’s ability to juggle these competing priorities is setting the tone for what success looks like in the 21st-century college game and the stakes have never been higher.
Recruiting in a Ruthless Marketplace
At the heart of any successful college football program lies elite recruiting. For Coach Sarkisian, recruiting is not just about selling Texas football—it’s about building trust, relationships, and presenting a clear development plan for each athlete. The competition is fierce, and it stretches across the nation.
In the last few recruiting cycles, Texas has consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally, a testament to Sarkisian’s appeal and organizational strength. The 2023 and 2024 classes included five-star quarterbacks, dynamic wide receivers, and elite defenders, some of whom were heavily courted by Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and USC.
Yet, in today’s climate
recruiting doesn’t end with a signed National Letter of Intent. Coaches must now continuously recruit their own players to stay. The transfer portal has transformed college football into a free-agent market. Players can leave for better opportunities, more playing time, or lucrative NIL deals. Sarkisian has adapted by assembling a strong off-field staff recruiting coordinators, NIL liaisons, and mental health counselors whose jobs are to support and retain talent.
What distinguishes Sarkisian is his NFL pedigree. Recruits often gravitate toward coaches who’ve worked at the next level or produced NFL talent. With previous coaching stints at the University of Washington, USC, and the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons (as offensive coordinator), Sarkisian possesses a rich resume. His time under Nick Saban at Alabama also deepened his recruiting acumen. Players and parents view Texas under Sark not just as a destination, but a pipeline to the NFL.
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Player Development: The Core of Long-Term Success
Recruiting elite athletes is only half the battle. Developing them into high-performing, well-rounded individuals is the other half arguably more important in sustaining success. Sarkisian understands this, and he has doubled down on individual player development, both on and off the field.
His offensive philosophy, which blends pro-style and spread elements, gives quarterbacks and skill players exposure to schemes they’ll encounter in the NFL. This system helped mold Quinn Ewers, who arrived as a highly-touted prospect and matured under Sarkisian’s mentorship. Wide receivers like Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington have also thrived, improving their route running, ball skills, and versatility to prepare for the next level.
Sarkisian has been equally committed to developing the trenches, an area often overlooked by casual fans. Offensive linemen under his watch have gained national recognition, thanks to improved strength and conditioning programs and technical coaching. Defensive linemen and edge rushers, mentored by an NFL-oriented defensive staff, have seen their draft stocks rise.
Beyond physical development, Sark has emphasized mental preparation, using sports psychologists, leadership training, and academic support systems. He views player development holistically, ensuring players are mature, confident, and equipped for both football and life after it.
NFL Pipeline: Preparing Players for the Next Level
For many of Sarkisian’s players, Texas is a stepping stone to the NFL. He embraces this reality, using it as a selling point in recruitment and motivation in development. Under his guidance, Texas has seen a resurgence in NFL talent.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, standout running back Bijan Robinson was selected in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons—a pick many saw coming thanks to his balance, vision, and elite skill set honed in Austin. He was the face of Texas football during Sark’s early years and is now the face of Sarkisian’s growing NFL pipeline.
Beyond Robinson, offensive linemen, receivers, and defensive backs have also made the jump, and NFL teams have started to recognize the professional readiness of Texas players. Sarkisian routinely invites NFL scouts to campus, hosts pro days that mirror the NFL Combine, and teaches pro-style schemes so his players transition smoothly.
What separates Sarkisian is his transparent communication with NFL teams. He gives honest assessments of players and collaborates with agents and general managers to ensure players are prepared mentally, physically, and emotionally for the leap. This transparency has earned him credibility at the professional level and trust from families making life-altering decisions.
The Transfer Portal Conundrum
While Sarkisian focuses on building talent from within, he has strategically used the transfer portal to fill critical gaps. He has brought in veteran leadership at key positions like linebacker and wide receiver. These players not only provide immediate impact but also help guide younger teammates, especially in high-stakes moments.
However, the portal is a double-edged sword. High school recruits now weigh programs by how much the coach leans on transfers versus developing young players. Sarkisian has found a middle ground: he doesn’t rely exclusively on the portal but uses it as a supplemental tool. The message is clear if you come to Texas, you will be developed. But if the team needs a boost, he won’t hesitate to bring in outside talent.
Balancing Act: The Coach as CEO
The modern college football head coach is no longer just a play-caller or motivator; he’s a CEO of a multi-million-dollar operation. Coach Sarkisian’s office is now a war room of calendars, transfer watchlists, NIL contract negotiations, academic reports, and NFL liaison meetings.
Managing egos, expectations, and external pressures is part of the job description. Donors want wins. Fans want national titles. Parents want their sons developed. Players want NFL futures. And through all of it, Sarkisian must still lead practices, watch film, and build a championship culture.
He’s embraced innovation by incorporating data analytics into recruiting and development. He’s formed partnerships with major brands to strengthen NIL infrastructure. He’s hired some of the most respected minds in the sport to delegate responsibilities recognizing that no one can do it alone anymore.
Looking Ahead: Texas to the SEC
Perhaps the most significant challenge on Sarkisian’s horizon is the move to the SEC. Beginning in the 2024 season, Texas will be part of the most competitive conference in college football. Every game will be a battle. Every week will feel like a playoff.
The stakes for recruiting, player development, and NFL preparation will rise tenfold. But Sarkisian is not backing down. He sees the move as an opportunity a chance to prove that Texas belongs among the elite once more.
Conclusion: The Sarkisian Blueprint
Coach Steve Sarkisian is at the nexus of college football’s transformation. He’s building more than a team he’s constructing a blueprint for success in a chaotic era. With every recruit signed, player drafted, and game won, he brings Texas one step closer to its rightful place in the national spotlight.
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Balancing recruiting, player development, and NFL preparation is not easy. But if anyone’s equipped to do it all and win while doing it -it’s Steve Sarkisian. As the college football world watches Texas closely in the coming seasons, one thing is clear: Sarkisian isn’t just adapting to the new age of football. He’s defining it.
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