Earlier in the week, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian revealed how the results of Super Bowl 59 boost the Texas football program.
While appearing on the ‘Up & Adams’ show with NFL insider Kay Adams, Sarkisian highlighted how two of his former players starring for their respective teams in the biggest NFL game of the season is a great look for the Longhorns.
What Did Steve Sarkisian Say About His Former Players?
The two players Sarkisian referenced are Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy and Philadelphia Eagles WR DeVonta Smith. Sarkisian coached Worthy at Texas from 2021-23, and was the offensive coordinator of the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2020 when Smith was playing for the school.
During an exclusive interview with Adams following Super Bowl 59, Sarkisian outlined how it was great to see some of his former players succeeding at the highest level of professional football.
.@CoachSark‘s reaction to seeing @TexasFootball alum Xavier Worthy score a TD in the Super Bowl 👏🥹🧡
“I think it’s a sign of where our program is headed.”
@heykayadams @XavierWorthy | HookEm pic.twitter.com/Ximgv55G6l
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 20, 2025
“It was pretty cool to think the two receivers in that game, both leading receivers, are guys are have played for us in our system,” Sarkisian said. “And so, it’s kind of a little feather in our cap. Helps in recruiting.”
In the game, Worthy had eight receptions on eight targets for 157 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Smith brought in four receptions on five targets, going for 69 receiving yards and a touchdown of his own.
Most notably, one of Worthy’s touchdowns was a 50-yard toss by star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, while Smith’s score came on a beautiful 46-yard pass by QB Jalen Hurts to firmly put the game out reach in favor of the Eagles.
Texas Longhorns’ 2025 Outlook
The Longhorns are expected to look very different next season, most notably at the quarterback position. Last season’s starting QB Quinn Ewers announced that he would be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that opens the door for Arch Manning to take the reins of the offense next year.
In limited game time this year behind Ewers, Manning amassed 939 passing yards, 13 total touchdowns, only two interceptions, and an impressive completion percentage of 67.8%.
KEEP READING: ‘I Think He’s Ready for It’ — Steve Sarkisian Reveals What Makes Texas QB Arch Manning Special
While it remains to be seen whether Manning thrives in his first season as the starting quarterback of the Longhorns and whether he can lead them to a national championship, it is evident that Sarkisian is enjoying watching the impact his coaching style and college football programs have had on star players in the NFL.
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