College football never really stops changing, does it? The transfer portal’s become a huge part of how teams manage their rosters these days.
But Steve Sarkisian, the Texas Longhorns’ head coach, isn’t just jumping on the bandwagon. He’s careful, maybe even a bit old-school, placing real value on building a foundation with high school recruits.
Some programs lean hard on the portal, stacking up transfers year after year. Sarkisian, though, tries to use it as a supplement—never the main ingredient.
He wants the portal to fill in gaps, not run the show. That’s his way of keeping the Texas football program steady and successful for the long haul.
Strategic Use of the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal has honestly shaken things up in college football. Teams can now plug holes in their rosters almost overnight.
You’ll see some schools haul in 25 or 30 transfers in a single season. Sarkisian isn’t interested in that kind of overhaul.
He’s pretty clear about his plan. He’ll dip into the portal when there’s a real need, but he’s not letting it take over recruiting.
Building from High School Ranks
Sarkisian really believes lasting success starts with high school recruits. He wants players who grow up in the program, learning the ropes from day one.
That way, they get what Texas football is all about right from the start. It helps build a team that actually feels like a team, not just a bunch of strangers in the same uniform.
Advantages of a High School-Focused Approach
There’s something to be said for sticking with high school recruits. Coaches get more time to shape players to fit their system.
Plus, when guys come up together, they usually buy into the culture. They work harder for each other, and you can feel that on game day.
Long-Term Player Development
High school recruits usually have raw skills that need some polish. Coaches get several years to develop those talents and teach the mental side of the game.
By the time these players are upperclassmen, they’re often more complete and ready to make a real difference.
Team Culture and Cohesion
Bringing players in as freshmen helps build tight bonds between teammates and coaches. That kind of camaraderie isn’t easy to create overnight.
When guys trust each other and the staff, it usually shows up in how they play. There’s just more buy-in all around.
The Role of the Transfer Portal in Texas Football
Sarkisian isn’t shutting the door on transfers, though. He sees the portal as a way to patch up holes when they pop up.
Sometimes you need a veteran presence, and the portal lets you find that fast. The trick is not letting those additions mess with the team’s chemistry.
Filling Immediate Needs
If Texas suddenly gets thin at a certain spot—maybe because of injuries or surprise departures—the portal can help. Sarkisian can bring in a player who’s ready to contribute right away.
That way, the team stays competitive without getting too dependent on outside help.
Complementing High School Recruits
Sarkisian uses the portal to balance out the roster. Experienced transfers can step in as leaders and show the younger guys the ropes.
Mixing youth with experience gives the team a bit more spark and flexibility. It’s not a bad combo if you ask me.
Challenges and Considerations
This approach isn’t without its headaches. Sarkisian has to keep the right mix of homegrown talent and transfers.
Too many transfers? The team might feel disconnected. Too few? Suddenly, there are holes you can’t fill fast enough.
Maintaining Team Balance
It’s a balancing act, really. Bring in too many transfers, and you risk losing the team’s sense of continuity.
But if you rely only on high school recruits, you might get caught short if players leave or get hurt unexpectedly.
Adapting to Changing Dynamics
College football’s always moving, and the transfer portal isn’t going anywhere. Programs that refuse to adapt could get left behind.
Sarkisian wants Texas to keep its traditions but also stay competitive. That balance isn’t easy, but it’s probably necessary these days.
For more insights into Steve Sarkisian’s philosophy on the transfer portal, you can read the full article on On3.
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