Longhorn Daily News: Paul Finebaumö Picks Steve Sarkisian and Texas to Win the CFP in 2025
The Texas Longhorns have long been a powerhouse in college football, and after several years of rebuilding and retooling, they are now on the verge of returning to prominence. Under head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have shown steady progress, with impressive recruiting classes and a renewed sense of purpose on the field. But now, a bold prediction from one of college football’s most respected analysts, Paul Finebaum, has added fuel to the fire of Texas’ championship aspirations.
In a recent segment on his popular ESPN show, Finebaum made waves by declaring that he would pick Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns to win the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2025. This statement has raised eyebrows across the college football world, and it’s worth diving deeper into why Finebaum believes the Longhorns are ready to take the next step and win a national title under Sarkisian’s leadership.
Finebaum’s Confidence in Sarkisian and Texas
Paul Finebaum is known for his no-nonsense analysis of college football, and when he speaks, people listen. His endorsement of Sarkisian and Texas is a significant vote of confidence, considering the expectations that come with coaching at a program like Texas. Historically, the Longhorns have seen their fair share of ups and downs, with moments of brilliance but also stretches of mediocrity since their last national championship in 2005.
However, Finebaum’s assertion that Texas could be poised for a CFP championship in 2025 highlights the program’s upward trajectory under Sarkisian. Finebaum has been closely following Sarkisian’s tenure at Texas since he took over in 2021, and he believes that the pieces are finally in place for the Longhorns to contend for a national title.
Sarkisian’s Offensive Revolution at Texas
One of the primary reasons Finebaum is so bullish on Texas’ prospects in 2025 is the work Sarkisian has done to transform the Longhorns’ offense. Sarkisian, a former offensive coordinator at Alabama and USC, is widely regarded as one of the brightest offensive minds in college football. His ability to develop dynamic, high-scoring offenses was on full display during his time with the Crimson Tide, and he has already begun to implement that same style of play at Texas.
In his first few years at Texas, Sarkisian has overseen significant improvements in both the passing and running games. The Longhorns now boast a potent offense that can attack defenses in a variety of ways. With a dynamic quarterback room, elite skill position players, and a growing offensive line, Sarkisian has Texas poised to compete with the best offenses in the country.
In 2025, quarterback Quinn Ewers, who has shown flashes of brilliance during his first seasons at Texas, is expected to take a major leap forward under Sarkisian’s tutelage. Ewers, a former five-star recruit, possesses all the physical tools to be a star at the next level, and Sarkisian has a track record of developing quarterbacks into elite players. With a year of experience under his belt and a loaded supporting cast, Ewers could be ready to lead Texas to its first CFP appearance since the inception of the playoff system.
Furthermore, Sarkisian’s ability to recruit and develop skill position talent has been evident in the growth of Texas’ receiving corps. Xavier Worthy, one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the country, will return as a centerpiece of the offense.
His ability to stretch the field and make explosive plays will give the Longhorns an edge in the passing game. Additionally, Sarkisian has been able to recruit some of the best running backs in the nation, ensuring that Texas has a balanced attack that can thrive in any situation.
With Sarkisian calling the plays, Texas’ offense is capable of putting up points against anyone, and this is a critical factor in Finebaum’s prediction that the Longhorns could win it all in 2025.
A Defense Built for a Title Run
While Sarkisian’s offense is often the focal point of discussion, Finebaum’s confidence in Texas to win the CFP is also rooted in the progress of the Longhorns’ defense. In order to win a national championship, a team needs to be able to stop opponents when it matters most, and this has been an area of concern for Texas in recent seasons. However, the Longhorns’ defense has made significant strides under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.
In 2025, Texas will return a defensive line that is one of the most talented in the Big 12.
The addition of transfer players like [Player Name] from Ohio State, as well as the continued development of young talents like T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy, will give the Longhorns a physical and disruptive front. The ability to get pressure on the quarterback and stop the run is crucial in today’s college football, and Texas appears to be built to do both.
In the secondary, Texas has been steadily improving, with players like Jerrin Thompson and Ryan Watts emerging as key contributors.
Their ability to cover elite wide receivers and create turnovers will be critical in big games against high-powered offenses. The Longhorns’ defense may not yet be elite, but they are trending in the right direction, and that’s enough to give Finebaum confidence that Texas can compete for a national title.
Sarkisian’s Leadership and Culture
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Paul Finebaum’s pick of Steve Sarkisian and Texas also reflects the intangible factors that contribute to a championship run. Sarkisian has shown that he can build a strong culture at Texas, focusing on developing players both on and off the field. His leadership style has resonated with the players, and they seem to have bought into his vision for the program.
In his first few years at Texas, Sarkisian has fostered an environment of competition, accountability, and player development. He has also proven to be a strong recruiter, bringing in some of the nation’s top talent year after year. As a result, Texas has the depth and talent to compete with the best programs in the country. When you combine that with Sarkisian’s ability to make in-game adjustments and put his players in the best positions to succeed, it’s easy to see why Finebaum is so high on Texas’ chances.
The Road to the CFP in 2025
For Texas to reach the College Football Playoff and ultimately win the national championship in 2025, several things need to go right.
The Longhorns will need to navigate a challenging Big 12 schedule, which includes matchups with teams like Oklahoma, Baylor, and TCU. Additionally, they’ll need to perform well in key non-conference games, including their season opener against [Opponent]. Texas’ ability to win these big games will determine whether they can secure a spot in the CFP.
The Longhorns will also need to stay healthy, especially at key positions like quarterback, offensive line, and defensive back. Injuries have derailed many programs’ championship hopes in the past, and Texas will need to avoid key injuries to make a deep playoff run.
Conclusion: Texas’ Bright Future Under Sarkisian
Paul Finebaum’s pick of Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns to win the College Football Playoff in 2025 is a bold but justified prediction. With an explosive offense led by quarterback Quinn Ewers, a defense that is rapidly improving, and a head coach who has proven himself at the highest levels of college football, Texas has the tools to compete for a national title.
While there are still questions to be answered and challenges to overcome, the Longhorns are well on their way to becoming a true contender in the College Football Playoff race. Sarkisian’s vision for the program is starting to take shape, and 2025 could very well be the year Texas finally returns to the pinnacle of college football.
If Finebaum is right, the Longhorns are poised to make a statement, and the road to a national championship runs through Austin.
Leave a Reply