When you think of Texas Longhorns football, the first thing that comes to mind is likely the roar of the crowd at Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium or the iconic burnt orange jerseys. But behind the scenes, head coach Steve Sarkisian is building a culture of excellence that goes far beyond the gridiron—and it's paying off in a big way.
This spring, the Texas football team shattered expectations by posting a 3.36 composite GPA, a new program record. It's a milestone that speaks volumes about the discipline and dedication of these student-athletes, and it's no accident. Sarkisian has made academics a cornerstone of his program, firmly believing that success in the classroom directly translates to success on the field.
"Who you are some of the time is who you are all of the time," Sarkisian often says, emphasizing that the habits built in the library carry over to the practice field and beyond. It's a philosophy that has transformed the culture in Austin.
When Sarkisian took over in January 2021, the team GPA was just 2.33. The Longhorns were coming off a disappointing 5-7 season, and not a single player was selected in the NFL Draft. Fast forward to today, and the turnaround is undeniable. The team posted a 3.31 GPA in the spring of 2025—at the time a new record—before topping it just months later. That kind of consistent improvement doesn't happen without a clear vision and relentless effort.
Sarkisian isn't just building better football players; he's building better people. He knows that not every player will make it to the NFL, but every player can leave Texas with a world-class education. That's why he leans heavily on the university's reputation as a Public Ivy and one of the top public institutions in the world when recruiting elite talent.
"I think we've got the best product in the US," Sarkisian said on the 3rd & Longhorn Podcast. "All the while that's occurring at a Top 5 Public Institution in the United States. Name another school who's getting compared to Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, but on the flip side is getting compared to Georgia, Ohio State, and Alabama on the football field."
It's a powerful pitch—and it's working. From record-breaking GPAs to back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances, the Longhorns are proving that academic and athletic excellence go hand in hand. For fans and recruits alike, it's a reminder that wearing burnt orange means being part of something bigger than just a game.