Two years ago, during the spring after head coach Steve Sarkisian’s inaugural season in charge, the University of Texas football team saw no players chosen in the NFL Draft. This marked the second time in under a decade that the program experienced a draft weekend without a single Longhorn selected, the first being in 2014. Such a result was notable for a school with a rich football tradition, robust recruiting resources, and consistently highly ranked signing classes.
However, fast forward to the recent 2024 NFL Draft, and Texas found itself at the opposite end of the spectrum. Eleven Longhorns were picked, marking the highest number since the draft transitioned to a seven-round format in 1994. Only national champion Michigan had more players drafted this year, with 13 selections. This turnaround underscores the transformation Sarkisian has initiated at Texas in a relatively short time, with more promising talent still on the team.
While the 2023 season saw the Longhorns clinch the Big 12 title and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff, their success in the NFL Draft suggests a larger shift. As Texas prepares to transition to the SEC, their impressive performance in April underscores the upward trajectory Sarkisian has instilled after years of mediocre outcomes. Producing a double-digit number of NFL Draft picks is a hallmark of elite programs.
For a decade, Texas struggled to translate recruiting success into on-field achievements. Despite consistently ranking among the top 10 in recruiting classes from 2010 to 2020, the team’s performance remained lackluster, with minimal bowl appearances and no championships. However, recent efforts have addressed various issues, from coaching stability to administrative cohesion and team culture building.
Sarkisian has brought stability to the coaching staff, with the same coordinators for four consecutive seasons, and the administration’s support appears stronger. The team’s culture has evolved positively since Sarkisian’s arrival, particularly following a disappointing 5-7 season in 2021.
Sarkisian inherited most of the drafted players, many of whom were recruited under the previous coach, Tom Herman. However, the coaching staff maximized their potential and supplemented the roster with top recruiting classes and strategic transfers.
Notably, players like Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat, initially underrated recruits, flourished under Texas’ development program. Likewise, former three-star recruits like linebacker Jaylan Ford and running back Jonathon Brooks exceeded expectations, showcasing the effectiveness of Texas’ player development.
The Longhorns also saw success from highly touted recruits, including former five-star prospect Ja’Tavion Sanders and top-100 recruit Xavier Worthy, both of whom made significant contributions to the team.
Looking ahead, Texas could continue its NFL Draft success, especially with prospects like quarterback Quinn Ewers and left tackle Kelvin Banks on the horizon. Despite losing several players to the draft, the Longhorns retain a significant portion of their talent, indicating a positive trajectory for the program.
The recent drafts mark a resurgence for Texas football, with consecutive years of multiple draft selections for the first time since the mid-2000s. Sarkisian’s ability to maximize talent and foster player development suggests the program is on the brink of a significant resurgence, aligning with his vision for the team’s future.
