College GameDay crew tackles ‘now or never’ mindset for Texas entering 2023

ESPN’s College GameDay crew officially kicked off the 2023 college football season Saturday morning. As usual, the crew tackled a number of topics ranging from College Football Playoff predictions to potential breakout stars this fall.

Included in the discussion, Rece Davis asked his fellow hosts if this fall is a “now or never” opportunity for Texas to crash the Playoff. Expectations have been high surrounding the Longhorns at various times but without a breakthrough in recent memory.

Kirk Herbstreit admitted it’s now or never for Steve Sarkisian in the Big 12 with Texas set to depart for the SEC, but this year is more about proving the Longhorns can keep growing as a program and compete with the elite teams in the country.

“It’s a big opportunity, and I think what you said: This is the last year of the Big 12 as we know it. (Texas) is going into the deep water next year, so I think it’s more about continuing to prove to themselves that they can play with teams not just in this conference but with Alabama, and Texas A&M, and LSU, and everybody else but man they are loaded,” said Herbstreit. “Sark’s culture is starting to take over, Quinn Ewers now has a year under his belt… A lot of weapons. This appears to be on paper the team to beat in the Big 12.”

Desmond Howard echoed a similar sentiment, noting Sarkisian has been able to develop his culture with his first few recruiting classes:

“What’s key to me is that Sarkisian is starting to change the culture now because he’s had at least 2 recruiting cycles under his belt so he’s getting his talent,” said Howard. “Quinn Ewers, he got hurt in the Alabama game… I love the fact that they understand that they have some talent, Sarkisian’s a heck of a coach, but this is the time for Texas if they’re going to win the Big 12.”

Here’s the segment from GameDay, Texas discussion beginning around the 3:50 mark:

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.