The University of Texas football program is seeing the rewards of discipline and accountability not only on the field but in the classroom as well. Under the leadership of head coach Steve Sarkisian, the Longhorns have experienced a notable surge in academic performance, with the team’s overall GPA reaching its highest mark in years. This academic momentum appears to mirror the team’s success between the lines, creating a culture of excellence that spans every aspect of the program.
According to university officials, the Texas football team achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.12 during the most recent academic year — a substantial increase compared to previous seasons. This milestone highlights a growing emphasis on student-athlete development under Sarkisian, who has stressed the importance of discipline, preparation, and commitment across all areas of student life.
“Success isn’t just measured by wins on Saturdays,” Sarkisian said in a statement. “It’s about developing young men who are accountable, driven, and prepared for life beyond football. What we’re seeing in the classroom is a direct result of the culture we’re building — one of focus, work ethic, and doing things the right way.”
Since taking over in 2021, Sarkisian has worked to revamp the Texas football program’s identity. That transformation has included upgrading facilities, reshaping the roster through strategic recruiting and transfer portal moves, and enforcing a renewed sense of accountability. He’s also brought in academic support staff who work closely with players to provide tutoring, study planning, and one-on-one mentorship.
Several players have earned individual academic honors, with a growing number making the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll. The staff emphasizes weekly grade checks, academic goal-setting, and mandatory study hours — with veteran players often taking the lead in promoting academic responsibility among younger teammates.
Players have embraced the shift in expectations. Senior linebacker Jaylan Ford noted, “Coach Sark reminds us that football won’t last forever. He tells us our education is our foundation. The way we prepare for games is the way we prepare for finals — it’s all about mindset.”
The improved academic results come at a time when the Longhorns are also reemerging as a national football power. In the 2023 season, Texas finished with a 12–2 record, won the Big 12 Championship, and reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history. That on-field success has not distracted the team from maintaining its priorities in the classroom.
University officials credit Sarkisian’s leadership and the holistic support system around the program, including academic advisors, nutritionists, and mental health professionals, with fostering the right environment for sustained success.
The synergy between academic achievement and athletic performance is not lost on the Texas faithful, who have long expected the Longhorns to lead both on and off the field. As Texas prepares to enter the Southeastern Conference (SEC) this fall, maintaining high academic standards will be as important as competing with the nation’s elite football programs.
Sarkisian remains committed to the long game — building not just a championship-caliber team, but well-rounded young men who represent the university with pride. The numbers in the classroom show that the process is working — and it’s clear the Longhorns’ momentum is building in more ways than one.
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