With the SEC on the horizon, Texas’ time to strike — and prove it belongs — is now

Texas won the last Southwest Conference title in 1995 en route to 10 wins and a berth into the Sugar Bowl. The Longhorns hope history repeats itself in 2023 as they prepare for the last ride as a member of the Big 12. 

Expectations are always high in Austin, but those might also be reasonable this year given the returning talent on The 40 Acres in Year 3 under Steve Sarkisian. 

“Big 12 championship. National championship,” said wide receiver Jordan Whittington. “We need to lock in, not get complacent, and worry about playing our game.” 

That confidence was forged by fire. Forgive Texas fans, and everyone else on the outside, if they take a wait-and-see approach with the growing aspirations of the 2023 squad. Texas is 13-12 overall and 9-9 in Big 12 play through two seasons with Sarkisian. The program has only won 10 games once since 2009. The phrase “Texas is back” causes more eyerolls than excitement. 

But maybe not anymore. Texas ranks 19th in returning production, according to ESPN. The Longhorns return 85 percent of their production on offense (3rd best), including all five offensive line starters who’ve combined for 101 career starts. The biggest holes to fill are at running back with the departures of Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson. 

The defense isn’t far behind. Jaylan Ford is back at linebacker, as are Barryn Sorrell, T’Vondre Sweat, and Byron Murphy up front. Jerrin Thompson returns at safety with Ryan Watts and Jahdae Barron at corner and nickel, respectively. Even the punter and  kicker possess experience. 

“The talent on our team is crazy,” Ford said. “We’re so promising with the talent we have in this building. We’ve gone through the lows and stuck through the hard times. I’ve seen it come full circle.” 

No one needs to tell the burnt orange faithful that talent and promise doesn’t always result in success. Texas reached the BCS Championship Game after a 13-win season that included a perfect 8-0 record in the Big 12 back in 2009. The program is 61-55 in conference play since that year despite signing the best, or second-best, recruiting class in the Big 12 each cycle. 

The difference now, according to Sarkisian, is maturity and buy-in. He inherited a team in 2021 that couldn’t even play a spring game because of the lack of scholarship offensive linemen. Now, that’s one of the strengths of the team. That same type of growth is true across every position unit. Sarkisian wants a three-deep at every spot, and while his program isn’t quite there yet, it is a whole lot closer to SEC ready than it was upon his arrival. 

“Now, we’ve got a group of guys who were recruited to play in this system, and the ones who remain are guys who are truly bought into what we’re doing here in Year 3,” Sarkisian said. “Inevitably, our culture is strong. We have a tight knit team. And we have a team that looks the part.” 

The table is set. Texas possesses a nice blend of returning players and talented fresh faces. The Longhorns only leave the state of Texas twice and should be favored in at least 10 of the 12 regular season matchups. In a wide-open Big 12, Texas just might be the favorite. Again. 

DCTF'S TAKE

The only thing that can stop Texas in 2023 is Texas. And maybe Alabama. The Longhorns are the most talented team in the Big 12, and maybe the most experienced. The latter is an important distinction for Steve Sarkisian’s crew. Winning a conference crown before heading to the SEC would taste sweet, but excuse outsiders if the burnt orange Kool-Aid tastes the same as it has for over a decade. Anything short of the conference championship game is a disappointment and a missed opportunity.