Not long ago, the Texas Longhorns were a once-dominant program struggling to regain their footing.
Now, under Head Coach Steve Sarkisian and surprise standout quarterback Quinn Ewers, the Longhorns are back in the national championship conversation. But, as Uncle Ben famously told Spider-Man, “With great power comes great responsibility”—or, in this case, immense pressure to win it all.
Sarkisian, the former Alabama offensive coordinator, has steadily improved the program since taking the reins in 2021. He found a projected top-10 NFL Draft pick in Ewers, secured the nation’s No. 1 recruit in Arch Manning, captured the Longhorns’ first Big 12 title since 2009, and led the team to its inaugural College Football Playoff appearance. /cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25630735/2173039851.jpg)
Now ranked No. 3 in the preseason and with the third-best odds to win the national championship in 2024, the expectations have never been higher. But what must Texas do to turn potential into a championship reality?
A strong secondary will be crucial for the Longhorns to improve on their 2023 campaign. Last season, their defense ranked 113th nationally against the pass, a glaring weakness that was exposed in the Sugar Bowl when Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. threw for 430 yards and two touchdowns in a playoff-ending loss.
To address this, Texas landed the No. 1-ranked safety in the transfer portal, Clemson standout Andrew Mukuba, who was instrumental in the Tigers’ top-5 pass defense. They also convinced fifth-year senior and NFL-caliber cornerback Jahdae Barron to return for another season. Barron brings vital experience to a group that needs it.
With the continued development of second-year starter Derek Williams Jr. and incoming talent like four-star recruit and track star Xavier Filsaime, the secondary will need to step up—particularly against top-ranked Georgia and star quarterback Carson Beck, who threw for nearly 4,000 yards in 2023.
Ewers must deliver elite performances despite unique challenges. The standout quarterback will enter 2024 without his top four pass catchers from last season—receivers Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Jordan Whittington, as well as tight end Ja’Tavian Sanders—all of whom left for the NFL.
Compounding the challenge is Texas’ move to the SEC, where defenses are tougher across the board. In 2023, only one opponent ranked in the top 50 in total defense (Alabama at No. 18, whom Texas beat by a field goal). In 2024, the Longhorns will face six top-50 defenses, including Georgia, ranked No. 9.
To thrive, Ewers will need to quickly build chemistry with his new receiving corps, including Alabama transfer Isaiah Boyd. If he can replicate his 2023 success, Texas will have a shot at navigating the SEC gauntlet and the expanded College Football Playoff.
The Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma is always a marquee game, but in 2024, it could be a potential trap. Despite a blowout loss to Texas in 2023, Oklahoma pulled off an upset later in the season with a massive performance from QB Dillon Gabriel, who has since transferred to Oregon.
This year, the rivalry game falls on October 12, sandwiched between Texas’ SEC opener against Mississippi State on September 28 and a crucial matchup against Georgia the following week. With the SEC showdown looming, Texas must stay focused and take care of business in Dallas before turning their attention to their toughest opponent of the season.
The road to a national championship won’t be easy for Texas, but the pieces are in place for a historic season. If they can address their defensive shortcomings, rely on Quinn Ewers to rise to the occasion, and maintain focus through a challenging schedule, the Longhorns could bring home their first championship trophy since 2005.