Football is a tradition in the heart of Austin, Texas, where it is more than a pastime. Head coach Steve Sarkisian continues to build a powerhouse rooted in passion, purpose, and perseverance. Speaking with Josh Pate, Sarkisian shared a raw, insightful look at what fuels Texas Football, emphasizing how the unique intensity of college football keeps the fire burning in players, coaches, and fans alike.
Steve Sarkisian on What Makes College Football a True Passion: A Game Where Every Moment Matters
According to Sarkisian, its urgency sets college football apart from the NFL. “In college football, the regular season matters, and it matters immensely,” he explained. “You can’t lose every other game and expect a shot at the championship like in the NFL. Every Saturday counts.”
From the season opener in Columbus to rivalries like Oklahoma in Dallas and the season finale against Texas A&M, Sarkisian stresses that each matchup carries weight. This high-stakes environment creates an excitement that, in his words, “is awesome.” It’s why he and millions of fans love the game.
That love has translated into results. Sarkisian’s methodical approach has produced one of the most impressive rebuilds in modern college football. From a 5-7 start in 2021 to a 13-3 finish in 2024, Texas has not only risen back to national relevance but also sustained it. Under Sarkisian, the Longhorns have earned back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances and secured their first consecutive top-five finishes since 2008-09.
More than just winning games, Sarkisian has created a culture, a commitment shared by players, staff, and administration. “Everybody’s rowing this boat in the same direction,” he said, crediting the consistency of the climb to a unified vision.
The results are undeniable. Texas led the SEC in regular-season wins (7-1) in its inaugural year in the conference, reached the SEC Championship Game, and nearly toppled eventual national champion Ohio State in the playoff semifinal. Sarkisian’s recruiting success has matched his on-field achievements, with four straight top-five classes and a record 11 players drafted into the NFL in 2024.
And yet, for Sarkisian, it’s never just about stats or hardware. It’s about the moments.
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Those electric Saturdays when everything is on the line, when a single play can shift a season, and when young athletes compete not for a paycheck, but for pride, legacy, and love of the game.
As Texas gears up for another run in 2025, the message is clear: the Longhorns aren’t just playing football, they’re living it. And with Sarkisian at the helm, they do it with unmatched passion and purpose.
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