Texas Aims to Recreate Sarkisian's 2020 Alabama Offense

Longhorns rebuild offense around star QB Arch Manning in hopes of replicating Sarkisian's past success

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The 2026 Texas Longhorns have overhauled their offense in an effort to maximize the talents of star quarterback Arch Manning. Head coach Steve Sarkisian, who coordinated a dominant Alabama offense in 2020, is looking to replicate that success in Austin and lead the Longhorns back to national prominence.

Why it matters

Texas has struggled to regain its status as an elite college football program in recent years, but the arrival of Arch Manning has raised expectations. If Sarkisian can build an offense around Manning similar to the one he engineered at Alabama, it could propel the Longhorns back into the national title conversation.

The details

Sarkisian has brought in several new assistant coaches and implemented a scheme designed to highlight Manning's skills as a passer and decision-maker. The Longhorns have also bolstered their offensive line and skill position talent to provide Manning with the supporting cast he needs to thrive.

  • Sarkisian served as Alabama's offensive coordinator in 2020, leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship.
  • Sarkisian was hired as the head coach at Texas in 2021 after a successful stint as Alabama's OC.
  • Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback prospect, committed to Texas in 2025.

The players

Steve Sarkisian

Head coach of the Texas Longhorns, previously served as offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2020.

Arch Manning

Highly touted quarterback prospect who committed to play for the Texas Longhorns in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Arch Manning is the kind of talent that can transform a program, and we're excited to build our offense around his skills.”

— Steve Sarkisian, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns (on3.com)

“The 2020 Alabama offense was one of the best in college football history, and I'm confident Coach Sarkisian can recreate that kind of production here at Texas.”

— Arch Manning (on3.com)

What’s next

The Longhorns will look to showcase their new-look offense during spring practice and the annual Orange-White scrimmage in April.

The takeaway

The success of the 2026 Texas Longhorns will hinge on whether Sarkisian can build an offense around Arch Manning that can replicate the dominance of his 2020 Alabama unit. If he can, the Longhorns could be poised for a return to national prominence.