Texas’ 2024-25 football campaign reignited debate over head coach Steve Sarkisian’s leadership, as pointed criticism emerged after the Longhorns’ College Football Playoff loss.
Despite reaching the CFP semifinals, Texas fell 28-14 to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, prompting backlash over what was perceived as a persistent “inept” blind spot in Sarkisian’s late-game decisions.
Texas Analyst Rips Steve Sarkisian’s ‘Inept’ Decisions
Texas football analyst and former Longhorn Rod Babers didn’t hold back in a recent episode where he scrutinized Sarkisian’s ongoing red zone struggles. Calling it “one of the more stupifying issues” of Sarkisian’s tenure, Babers highlighted Texas’ baffling inefficiency inside the 20-yard line despite possessing elite offensive talent.
“Considering how much talent Texas has on offense, I can’t figure out why it doesn’t translate to elite red zone offense,” he said.
Babers cited NFL Draft data to underscore his point, noting that Texas has had “more players drafted in the NFL in the last two years than any other team in college football,” most of them on offense.
He referenced recent draftees, including multiple tight ends, wide receivers, offensive linemen, and even a quarterback. Still, Babers pointed to glaring red zone stats.
“Last year they were 101st in red zone offense,” Babers said, though touchdown percentage had improved to 63%, up from 50% the year before.
Babers attributed earlier red zone success in 2021 to the presence of running backs Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson.
“There wasn’t a run concept they couldn’t execute at a high level,” he explained. He described their skill sets as having a “violent twitch” and emphasized how Sarkisian himself “somewhat confirmed” the offensive drop-off post-Robinson and Johnson.
“It was almost guaranteed with Rojo and Bijan,” Babers said. “Put some Bijan on it with a side of Rojo, and you were going to be good.”
Arch Manning Could Be Texas’ Turning Point After Sarkisian’s Costly Missteps
Babers believes Arch Manning may hold the key to fixing Texas’ lingering red zone problems under Sarkisian. Babers pointed to Manning’s mobility and progression-reading ability as assets that could finally turn the red zone into an area of strength.
“Sark is going to be able to weaponize Arch’s mobility in the red zone,” Babers said. “He can do it by protecting him at times on design runs, but I think Arch is going to do it on his own with the scrambling ability.
“Seven of the top 10 quarterbacks in scramble rate have teams that are also top 10 in touchdown percentage in the red zone. I don’t believe that is a coincidence.”
Babers argued that even if Manning doesn’t run often, defenses will have to respect the threat, opening up opportunities elsewhere. He also highlighted Manning’s comfort with straight drop-back situations.
“That didn’t necessarily translate to success for Quinn,” Babers said while noting it might be more effective under Manning “who is comfortable hitting through progressions.”
Babers also pointed to the incoming group of bigger receivers like Ryan Wingo and Parker Livingstone, saying their presence could improve contested catches near the goal line.
“That scramble drill I always talk about in the red zone, with bigger receivers, bigger targets, usually makes a difference,” Babers said.
The playoff exit overshadowed an otherwise strong season and intensified scrutiny of the coaching staff. However, the anticipated transition to Manning as starting quarterback has sparked optimism.