UPDATED NEWS : Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Issues Strong Reminder to Quinn Ewers, Rest of Players on … view all

UPDATED NEWS : Texas HC Steve Sarkisian Issues Strong Reminder to Quinn Ewers, Rest of Players on … view all

The Texas Longhorns football program has enjoyed a surge of optimism under head coach Steve Sarkisian, particularly following a recent stretch of strong performances that have garnered national attention. Sarkisian, known for his meticulous approach to building a competitive team, has guided Texas to a series of wins that have raised the program’s stature in the competitive landscape of college football. However, with success comes a unique set of challenges. As the Longhorns continue their journey toward greater achievements, Steve Sarkisian recently issued a strong reminder to his team — including starting quarterback Quinn Ewers — about the importance of maintaining focus, discipline, and consistency, despite their recent success.

Building Success at Texas Under Steve Sarkisian

Since taking the helm at Texas in 2021, Sarkisian has faced significant pressure to revive a program that has underperformed relative to its storied history. With a rich football tradition, the expectations on the Longhorns have always been high, and the weight of past glory has often been a burden. Sarkisian, with his deep understanding of offensive schemes and a track record of success in various programs, sought to establish a winning culture that blends strategic coaching, player development, and execution on the field.

The 2023 season has been a pivotal one for Sarkisian and the Longhorns. With an offense that has been both dynamic and efficient, Texas has proven that it can compete with the best teams in the nation. A key part of this success has been the play of sophomore quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has displayed flashes of brilliance, leading the Longhorns to some impressive victories. Ewers, once a highly touted recruit, has been the centerpiece of Sarkisian’s offensive vision.

However, as Sarkisian has emphasized in recent comments, success in college football is fleeting. The true test of a program’s strength lies not in one or two strong performances but in maintaining a high level of play week after week. This is where Sarkisian’s leadership comes into play: ensuring that his players — including Ewers — remain grounded, continue to grow, and don’t get distracted by their current success.

The Reminder: Staying Humble and Focused

In the aftermath of a solid run of victories, it is easy for players and coaches alike to feel as though they have arrived. But for Steve Sarkisian, a coach with a wealth of experience at various levels of football, complacency is the enemy. During a recent press conference, Sarkisian addressed his players’ recent success and issued a strong reminder: the road to a championship is long, and it takes more than just talent to reach the summit.

“Success is not an endpoint; it’s a process,” Sarkisian said, speaking directly to his players, including Quinn Ewers. “We have had some good wins, but that doesn’t mean anything if we don’t continue to put in the work. It’s about how we respond to this success that will define us as a team.”

Sarkisian’s comments come at a time when the Longhorns are squarely in the conversation for a College Football Playoff spot. Having defeated several ranked teams, including rival Oklahoma and other Big 12 contenders, Texas has shown it can hold its own against top-tier opponents. Yet, Sarkisian made it clear that his players should not let the praise or the spotlight derail their long-term goals.

For Quinn Ewers, who has been one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in the country, the message was particularly pointed. Ewers has all the physical tools necessary to succeed at the highest level. A strong arm, accuracy, and the ability to read defenses have made him one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football. But Sarkisian knows that Ewers’ development is not just about on-field ability. It’s about mental toughness, resilience, and continuing to evolve.

“He’s got a ton of potential,” Sarkisian noted. “But potential means nothing unless it’s realized every week. The next step for him is consistency. It’s about doing it day in and day out, and he has to understand that. Every game is an opportunity to get better.”

Maintaining Consistency Amid Success

Sarkisian’s approach to success centers on maintaining consistency in practice, preparation, and performance. He is keenly aware that the path to sustained success in college football requires discipline and focus. This mindset is particularly crucial for a young quarterback like Ewers, who has been thrust into a leadership role on a national stage.

In the competitive world of college football, momentum can shift quickly. A few bad plays, an injury, or a misstep on the field can derail a team’s entire season. This is why Sarkisian’s leadership is so crucial. By keeping his players — especially the younger ones — grounded, he ensures they don’t take anything for granted.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done so far, but this is about building a program,” Sarkisian emphasized. “We’re not here to have a great month. We’re here to have a great season, and that means handling success as much as we handle adversity.”

Sarkisian’s reminder to Ewers and the rest of the team reflects a core philosophy: success is a byproduct of preparation, effort, and a willingness to improve every day. It’s not enough to simply bask in the spotlight; it’s about pushing through the inevitable challenges that will arise and staying committed to the team’s goals.

The Role of Leadership in Sustaining Success

One of the key aspects of sustaining success is the role of leadership. While Quinn Ewers has become the face of the offense, there are others on the team — including veterans and emerging leaders — who help set the tone for the rest of the roster. Sarkisian knows that leadership on the field, particularly from players like Ewers, is essential to ensuring the team remains united and focused.

Ewers has already displayed leadership qualities, particularly in high-pressure situations. His poise in the pocket, even when facing blitz-heavy defenses, has impressed coaches and teammates alike. But leadership is more than just on-field performance; it’s about holding oneself and others accountable both in practice and in preparation.

“I think Quinn has done a great job leading this team,” Sarkisian said. “But leadership is a daily thing. It’s about how you show up every day, how you prepare, and how you help your teammates around you. That’s where true leadership comes in.”

Sarkisian’s emphasis on leadership reflects his belief that a team’s success is driven by collective effort, not individual brilliance. While Ewers has the potential to be a Heisman Trophy contender, it’s his ability to inspire and elevate the players around him that will ultimately determine Texas’s success.

Looking Ahead: The Big 12 and Beyond

As the Longhorns continue their quest for a College Football Playoff berth, the path ahead will not be without challenges. With games remaining against tough Big 12 opponents and potential matchups in a conference championship game, Sarkisian knows that staying humble and focused is crucial. The Longhorns cannot afford to overlook any opponent or become complacent due to their recent success.

Sarkisian’s leadership, combined with the growth of players like Ewers, will be put to the test in the coming weeks. Every game is a chance to prove that the Longhorns are ready for the next level of competition. Whether or not Texas can continue its winning ways will depend largely on how the team handles both the highs and the lows of the season.

For Quinn Ewers, the upcoming stretch is an opportunity to continue developing his game and solidify his status as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. But as Sarkisian reminded him, it’s not about one or two games; it’s about consistently performing at a high level.

“You’ve got to keep getting better, and you’ve got to stay hungry,” Sarkisian said. “That’s the mindset we need from everyone, especially from our quarterback. The best players in the country are the ones who show up every week, ready to improve.”

Conclusion

Steve Sarkisian’s reminder to his players — particularly to Quinn Ewers — about the importance of staying focused and humble in the face of success reflects the philosophy that has guided his coaching career. Success, as Sarkisian knows, is not a destination but a continuous journey. By stressing the need for consistency, discipline, and leadership, Sarkisian ensures that the Texas Longhorns remain on track toward achieving their ultimate goals. For Quinn Ewers and his teammates, the message is clear: recent success is just the beginning, and the real challenge lies in what comes next.