The Texas Longhorns finished the 2025 campaign without a spot in the College Football Playoff, marking the first time in three years that the program fell short of the postseason’s final four.
A pivotal offseason for the Longhorns
Head coach Steve Sarkisian, now in his sixth season with the university, has built his reputation on a balanced attack that leans heavily on a powerful ground game.
That identity was shaken last year, as the Longhorns posted just 1,791 rushing yards, the lowest total of Sarkisian’s tenure and a key factor in the team’s inability to sustain drives.
By contrast, the 2023 and 2024 seasons showcased the potency of a dynamic rushing attack; in 2023 the team logged 2,638 yards and 29 touchdowns, while 2024 featured a 1,000‑yard rusher and two backs surpassing the 500‑yard mark.
The road to redemption
Looking ahead to 2026, the coaching staff is reshaping the running back room, hoping fresh talent will restore the ground‑game dominance that has been a cornerstone of the Longhorns’ success.
The upcoming schedule presents both challenges and opportunities, with conference rivals tightening their defenses and non‑conference matchups offering a chance to experiment with new formations.
If the new backfield can generate the yardage that defined earlier Sarkisian teams, the offense should see a resurgence, potentially translating into a return to the playoff conversation.