The Texas Longhorns football program is gearing up for what promises to be one of their most exciting seasons in years, but it's not just what's happening on the field that's turning heads. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the team is setting a new standard in the classroom, proving that excellence isn't limited to game day.

This past semester, the Longhorns posted a composite GPA of 3.36—a program record that speaks volumes about the culture Sarkisian has built. In an era where NIL deals and transfer portals dominate headlines, Sarkisian has remained committed to balancing academics with athletics. His dedication is paying off, and he took to social media this week to celebrate the milestone, writing, "The Standard Is The Standard! Meet it, then exceed it!"

The turnaround is nothing short of remarkable. When Sarkisian took over in Austin, the team's collective GPA sat at just 2.33 under former coach Tom Herman. Fast forward five years, and the Longhorns have not only improved their academic performance but are also poised for success on the field. It's a testament to Sarkisian's system, which is clearly working at full throttle.

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes are on quarterback Arch Manning, who found his rhythm late last year, and a roster bolstered by key transfer additions. The Longhorns will kick off their campaign with three straight home games at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, starting with Texas State on September 5. A highly anticipated showdown with Ohio State follows in Week 2, before they face UTSA on September 19.

For fans of the Longhorns, this is more than just a football story—it's a reminder that true champions are built both on the field and in the classroom. And with Sarkisian at the helm, the standard is only getting higher.