Longhorns HC Steve Sarkisian reveals roster-building strategy ahead of upcoming NCAAF season

Once again, Steve Sarkisian will captain the ship known as the Texas Longhorns—a program with serious ambitions of becoming an undeniable contender in the NCAAF. The departure of several key players to the NFL and other programs presents a significant challenge for the head coach as he looks to rebuild his roster. However, Sarkisian has a clear strategy in place to navigate the offseason and shape a team capable of making a run.

Bringing in new talent represents a major challenge for Sarkisian, who’s once again aiming to position his team among the top title contenders. Yet, with several enticing offers on the table for potential recruits, he knows all too well that finding the perfect fit for his system is anything but easy.

During a recent media session, the veteran head coach revealed his strategy for recruiting what he believes are the best fits for his Longhorns—players who align with his vision and the program’s high expectations.

“Okay, that’s a snapshot of where you’re at,” Sarkisian said during a recent interview with Josh Pate. “And then I sit down with each player and say, ‘Here’s where you’re at, okay, here’s where you can improve.’ Even a guy who’s got straight A’s, he’s all-conference. He’s this, he’s that. Well, how are we going to get better? How are we going to improve?

Head coach Steve Sarkisian of the Texas Longhorns leads his team onto the field prior to the Playoff First Round Game against the Clemson Tigers at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

“And when you can be honest with them, and you can show it to them. This is exactly where you stand,” the head coach firmly stated.

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The dream of taking the big leap

Steve Sarkisian knows he’s leading one of the most successful programs in college football when it comes to producing NFL-ready talent. Speaking on the subject, the head coach emphasized that his players should find their motivation for the upcoming season in the opportunity to take that big leap in their careers.

“They all have dreams and aspirations,” Sarkisian said. “We were all kids, laying on our bed, throwing the ball up in the air and dreaming of putting on that Dallas Cowboys helmet, or the 49ers helmet, right? Well, now those things are a reality in our building, and the fact that they can look to their peers, who they watch develop and watch grow.

“And now having that opportunity to say, ‘Hey, this is kind of the blueprint, and I may not be where I’m supposed to be right now, but if I keep working, if I keep doing things the right way, that can become a reality for me down the road.’”