Texas has undergone significant changes since Steve Sarkisian’s arrival in 2021. The Longhorns, ranked number one this upcoming season, now have a potential star quarterback in Arch Manning. However, the path to success was not as clear four years earlier.

In a conversation with Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Sarkisian discussed the significant hurdles he encountered upon his arrival in Austin. Despite Texas’s storied past, he identified a pervasive sense of entitlement among players and staff.

“We had players that would pick and choose when they want to do things the right way,” Sarkisian noted. “There was a belief that simply donning the Longhorns logo would bring about success. Many wanted to achieve greatness but lacked an understanding of what it truly meant.”

To foster a successful culture, Sarkisian emphasized toughness, a value he had to learn after his dismissal from USC in 2015, which forced him to reassess and rebuild his career. According to receiver Jordan Whittington, the shift in mindset under Sarkisian has been beneficial.

“When someone gets on you like that, and you have the right mindset, you take it and turn it into something positive,” Whittington stated. “I’m glad he didn’t hold back.”

Gradually, the results of Sarkisian’s approach began to manifest on the field. Under his leadership, the Longhorns have steadily improved their winning percentages each year, culminating in a recent College Football Playoff semifinal appearance.

With Manning now at the helm of the offense, Texas is positioned to vie for a national title. As they prepare for their challenging early-season match against No. 3 Ohio State this Saturday, Sarkisian remains optimistic about his players’ determination.

“This group wants to be the team that gets over the hump,” Sarkisian affirmed. “There’s plenty of work ahead, but we possess the mentality and pride needed to get it done.”