Five things Texas football needs to have a strong 2022 season

The first season under Steve Sarkisian did not go as planned for Texas.

After the departure of quarterback Sam Ehlinger, fans were hopeful that with Sarkisian being an offensive guru, he would be able to make any offense elite.

However, what many didn’t realize is that Texas was fielding an offense with what could be considered one of the worst and most inconsistent offensive lines in a while for Texas. On top of that, the Longhorns had just one consistent receiver and two inexperienced quarterbacks that each struggled. Not to mention, a defense that was made road-kill by opposing running backs seemingly every week.

The Longhorns finished with a dreadful 5-7 record, but are hoping that a strong recruiting class this offseason, along with talented transfers and players returning from injury, will help the team take that next step and actually compete nationally.

Here are five things that Texas needs in order to truly succeed next season.

The health of Bijan Robinson

Tim Warner/Getty Images

The star running back and best player on the team. Robinson got banged up a couple times last season, and Texas will need him to stay healthy in order for this offense to succeed. He proved to be a great weapon in the passing game as well, as Sarkisian loved to get him the ball on wheel routes and screens. Having him will also take some pressure off of Quinn Ewers, who has yet to attempt a pass at the college level.

Gary Patterson to join the staff

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

There were reports that Patterson met with both Sarkisian and Pete Kwiatkowski to discuss a potential role with the staff that would allow him to consult for the defense, meaning he would help at practice and assist the coaches by telling them what he sees in the game film. Even though that sounds like a minor role, that is a huge need for Texas, as there often seemed to be schematic lapses last season. Patterson is one of the best defensive minds in the sport, and would greatly help a unit that gave up 200 yards rushing per game along with being exposed in the passing game.

Quinn Ewers to be as advertised

Photo by Mike Cravens / Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY Network

It is no secret that neither Hudson Card or Casey Thompson were able to play consistent enough to earn Sarkisian’s trust last season. With Thompson deciding to transfer, and Card struggling in almost all of his appearances, it is clear that generational prospect Quinn Ewers will be the guy. Ewers held the highest rating possible as a recruit, and the only other quarterback to do so was Vince Young. Texas needs for him to get comfortable quickly, and be as good as everyone expects in order for this team to reach the goals that they have.

A better rush defense

Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to get worse than what they had last season, as Texas’ defense ranked No. 113 out of 130 in stopping the run. In order for this team to not suffer from major collapses like last season, the defensive line needs to be much better at getting into the backfield and disrupting the run. The Longhorns’ 2022 class holds eight commits across the defensive line, and will need some major contributions from a few recruits along with major improvements from guys who decided to return.

A running mate for Xavier Worthy

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Worthy is a flat out star, and has the chance to go down as the best receiver in school history if he continues to play as well as he did last season. However, Texas had no other true threat in the passing game besides him and will need multiple people to step up. Both Jordan Whittington and Troy Omeire need to stay healthy, as Whittington missed over half the season with injury, and Omiere has been on campus two years and has yet to be available for a game.

They could also look to four-star Brenen Thompson to come in and make an impact, or maybe pursue someone in the transfer portal like UTEP transfer Jacob Cowing. Whether the answer is on the roster right now or in the transfer portal, in order for Worthy to continue to thrive, the Longhorns need to have a second weapon in order to free Worthy from double teams.

1

1