Texas Falls Short Again: Sarkisian’s Longhorns Struggle to Break Through
Texas’ run toward a national title hit another roadblock. After a promising season, the Longhorns faltered in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals against Ohio State, falling just short in a game decided by a critical mistake on second-and-goal. That one error sealed their fate, ending their championship hopes in heartbreaking fashion.
Despite putting up a tough fight, Texas’ loss once again highlights the difficulty of evaluating their season. They’ve made strides under head coach Steve Sarkisian, but without a championship, does the progress truly matter?
The Sarkisian Era: Success or Stagnation?
Sarkisian has undeniably transformed Texas into a competitive program. Over the past two seasons, the Longhorns have posted an impressive 25-5 record, a significant improvement from previous years of mediocrity. However, in college football, success is often defined by championships, and making the CFP semifinals without advancing further is no longer enough.
J.D. PicKell from On3 pointed out that while Texas has momentum, momentum alone won’t guarantee a championship. He emphasized that if the Longhorns reach the semifinals again but fail to advance, frustration among fans and analysts will only grow. Some may start questioning whether Sarkisian can deliver on the biggest stage.
Talent isn’t the issue—Texas had the sixth-ranked recruiting class nationally and the third-ranked in the SEC last season. The Longhorns have the pieces, but execution in key moments has been lacking.
A Devastating Loss to Ohio State
The semifinal loss to Ohio State came down to a few critical plays. Texas had a prime opportunity late in the game, trailing by seven points with the ball on the one-yard line. Running back Jerrick Gibson was stopped on first down. On the next play, a toss to Quintrevion Wisner resulted in a disastrous seven-yard loss. Then, on fourth down, quarterback Quinn Ewers was sacked by Ohio State’s Jack Sawyer, who forced a fumble and returned it 83 yards for a touchdown.
That sequence perfectly encapsulated Texas’ struggles—flashes of potential, undone by inconsistency in crucial moments. The offensive line was outplayed throughout the game, a problem that has plagued the team in big matchups. If those issues aren’t fixed, Sarkisian’s leadership will face even greater scrutiny moving forward.
Questions Loom for the Longhorns
Critics, including Locked On SEC’s Brad Kellner, have been vocal about Sarkisian’s shortcomings under pressure. He pointed to past failures, including Texas’ loss to Washington in the previous CFP, as evidence that Sarkisian’s in-game decisions have been costly. Some believe his coaching, rather than talent deficiencies, has been the primary reason for Texas’ struggles in the biggest moments.
With Ewers heading to the NFL, the pressure now shifts to Arch Manning, a highly touted recruit whose name alone carries massive expectations. Manning enters the season with a staggering $6.5 million NIL valuation, but the real test will be how he performs on the field.
Can Arch Manning Handle the Spotlight?
Manning’s first season as a starter won’t be easy. Texas opens the season with a massive test against Ohio State, the very team that ended their title hopes last year. Even more daunting, the Longhorns will soon travel to Athens to face Georgia. That early-season gauntlet will provide an immediate indication of whether Manning is ready to lead Texas to the next level.
Blake Ruffino from The Ruffino & Joe Show expressed concerns about Manning’s ability to meet expectations right away. He questioned whether the young quarterback will be the best in the SEC or if he’ll struggle to find his footing in the conference’s intense competition.
The SEC is an unforgiving league, and Manning won’t have the luxury of easing into the role. If he falters, the criticism of Sarkisian will intensify, and Texas’ future will remain uncertain.
Texas Must Deliver—Now
After two straight CFP semifinal appearances, Texas has proven it belongs among college football’s elite. But without a national title, frustration continues to mount. The Longhorns have talent, but execution and consistency will determine whether they finally break through or remain stuck just short of the finish line.
All eyes are on Arch Manning and Steve Sarkisian. Can they handle the pressure, or will Texas once again fall short of championship glory?