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The Texas Longhorns, one of college football’s most storied programs, find themselves at a crossroads. With aspirations to return to prominence, the Longhorns are preparing for a new chapter in their history as they gear up to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 2024. But along with that move comes a massive weight of expectations that falls squarely on the shoulders of head coach Steve Sarkisian. The pressure is undeniable, and with the stakes higher than ever—especially as the program reportedly sets its sights on the $100 million mark in revenue—the question lingers: Can Sarkisian lead Texas back to glory?

The Big Leap to the SEC

The move from the Big 12 to the SEC is more than just a change in conference affiliation for Texas. It’s a declaration that the Longhorns intend to compete at the highest levels of college football. With an influx of television money, expanded playoff opportunities, and the intense competition of the SEC, Texas is positioning itself for future success. But with that comes an even more challenging environment.

Historically, the SEC has been the gold standard of college football, housing powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, LSU, and Auburn. The conference is synonymous with championship-level competition, and it’s a place where only the best thrive. By joining this elite group, Texas is sending a clear message: they want to be in the conversation with the best. But to do so, they need to prove themselves capable of competing week in and week out.

For Sarkisian, this means navigating an incredibly challenging schedule. He must recruit top-tier talent to compete with the likes of Alabama and Georgia. He must create a game plan capable of overcoming SEC defenses, which are renowned for their speed and physicality. Most importantly, he must win. Anything less than consistent success could be seen as a failure in the eyes of the fanbase and boosters, especially considering the history and resources of the Texas football program.

A $100 Million Aspirations

Texas’ financial goals reflect the ambitions of the program. With its move to the SEC, the Longhorns aim to significantly increase their athletic department’s revenue, eyeing the $100 million mark in annual earnings. This goal is not just about financial growth; it is tied directly to the football program’s ability to generate revenue through winning seasons, bowl game appearances, and, ultimately, playoff berths.

The Longhorns are already one of the richest programs in college football, but their potential to earn even more is amplified by their new affiliation. The SEC brings with it additional media deals, higher stakes, and greater visibility for the program. However, to truly capitalize on these opportunities, Texas must achieve on-field success. The path to $100 million in revenue hinges on sustained excellence in recruiting, performance, and overall brand value. And while the potential for massive financial gain is enticing, it also adds layers of pressure.

In the eyes of donors, alumni, and other stakeholders, the expectation is clear: Texas football must return to national relevance. They have the resources, the fanbase, and the facilities to do so, but it is up to Sarkisian to make it happen. The eyes of the college football world are now on him to deliver on these lofty financial and competitive goals.

SEC Scrutiny and the Longhorns’ NFL Ambitions

Beyond the financial and competitive pressures, another layer of complexity for Steve Sarkisian is the scrutiny that will come with Texas’ move to the SEC. The Longhorns will be thrust into the spotlight like never before, facing a media environment that’s as intense as the competition itself. In the SEC, every game is a national event. The scrutiny will be heightened, and any misstep—whether on the field or in the locker room—will be magnified.

Furthermore, as the program enters the SEC, there will be heightened expectations not just from college football fans, but from the professional ranks as well. Many in the NFL have their eyes on Texas as a potential breeding ground for future talent, and this means that players and coaches alike will be under constant evaluation. Sarkisian, who has NFL experience as an offensive coordinator with the Atlanta Falcons, is acutely aware of how the professional game influences college football. The expectations placed on Texas players to perform at an NFL level will be greater than ever, which will directly impact Sarkisian’s strategy and coaching decisions.

While Sarkisian’s personal ambitions are undoubtedly tied to the success of Texas, it’s impossible to ignore the professional aspirations that come with coaching in a program like this. Coaches in Texas are expected to perform at a level that makes their teams NFL-ready. When you combine the SEC’s gauntlet of teams with the professional attention the program attracts, it’s clear that Sarkisian faces an uphill battle.

NFL Influence on Sarkisian’s Coaching Decisions

The NFL influence on Texas is also evident in how Sarkisian approaches player development. Having coached in the NFL, Sarkisian understands that success in college football often leads to opportunities at the professional level. It’s no secret that many NFL scouts will be evaluating the talent at Texas, and Sarkisian has already been trying to leverage his NFL experience to build a system that prepares his players for the next level.

However, there’s a fine line between catering to professional scouts and ensuring that college players are developed in a way that leads to team success. Sarkisian must find the balance between building a program that nurtures future NFL stars while also ensuring that the Longhorns are winning football games now. In the hyper-competitive environment of the SEC, it’s not enough to simply develop talent for the NFL; Sarkisian will need to win immediately to meet the heightened expectations placed on him.

The Road Ahead

The road ahead for Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns is both challenging and rewarding. With the financial backing, resources, and national attention that come with the move to the SEC, the program is poised to become a powerhouse in college football once again. However, this also brings unprecedented pressure to perform, both on and off the field.

For Sarkisian, this means navigating a complex landscape of high expectations, fierce competition, and scrutiny that will only intensify as the Longhorns prepare for the SEC. There is little room for error, and the Longhorns’ $100 million aspirations will be a constant reminder of the stakes at hand. Whether Sarkisian can deliver on these ambitions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the pressure is on, and the Longhorns’ future hangs in the balance.

If he can successfully harness the resources and talent at his disposal, Texas may once again rise to the top of college football. But failure to meet these expectations could lead to a quick exit from the top ranks of the sport, as history has shown in the competitive and financially driven world of college football. The coming seasons will be a defining moment in both Sarkisian’s career and the future of the Texas Longhorns program.