The Texas football program is preparing for another good performance following their outstanding 2023-24 season. After leaving the Big 12, the Longhorns will compete in the Southeastern Conference in the fall of 2024. Nonetheless, head coach Steve Sarkisian believes the Texas roster is poised for success following his thrilling announcement.
Steve Sarkisian is fully confident in his squad. Less than a year after reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals, the Longhorns are poised to soar. According to ClutchPoints’ Shervon Fakhimi, Texas will return three of the country’s most outstanding contributors: Kelvin Banks Jr., Quinn Ewers, and CJ Baxter.
Kelvin Banks Jr. was one of college football’s greatest left tackles in 2023, offering excellent protection for Quinn Ewers’ blind spots. According to PFF, Banks Jr. surrendered only one sack in 445 pass blocking snaps. His 86.1 pass block grade was likewise among the top in the country. Furthermore, Banks Jr. held his own against some of the top pass rushers in the country, including 2024 NFL Draft picks Dallas Turner, Bralen Trice, and Chris Braswell.
Of course, Banks Jr.’s efforts created opportunities for rising junior quarterback Quinn Ewers to flourish. Ewers helped the Texas football offensive have one of the finest passing offenses in the country in 2023 and has continued to develop over his stint with the program. Through 22 games, he has completed 444 of 690 passes for 5,656 yards and 37 touchdowns, with only 12 interceptions. Ewers hopes to return strong in 2024 and lead the offensive to more success.
Finally, Fakhimi mentioned CJ Baxter as a major contributor who should see a significant increase in production this season. Baxter rushed for 117 yards in his first full game as a starter since Jonathan Brooks’ injury. He has the potential to become one of the best running backs in the country by 2024.
Texas football looks to stay atop SEC with stout roster
The Longhorns ended the 2023-24 season with an overall record of 12-2 and won the Big 12 championship over the Oklahoma State Cowboys. As a result, they earned the third seed in the College Football Playoff. Texas was on the verge of getting to the national final but was defeated 37-31 by the strong Washington Huskies.
Texas hopes to return to the CFP in 2024-25, but the journey will be difficult. The Longhorns entered the SEC, probably the most competitive conference in college football. To make a strong postseason run, they will have to compete with Georgia, Alabama, and the rest of the conference’s toughest opponents.
Despite the stiff competition, Steve Sarkisian feels Texas’ roster has what it takes to compete and win. When the Longhorns extended him in the 2024 offseason, he offered an update that will have supporters excited for both the immediate and long term futures.
“We’re thrilled with what we’ve been able to accomplish and proud of the culture we’ve built and the ways our players have grown—on and off the field,” Sarkisian said the crowd.
The head coach went on: “We’re here to chase greatness, win championships, and be one of the best in the nation year in and year out.”
