Greg McElroy debates whether Texas football has best roster in Steve Sarkisian era

During his opening remarks at SEC Media Days, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian called the 2024 squad his deepest since arriving in Austin. Three full high school recruiting classes and NCAA transfer portal cycles have brought some serious talent to the 40 Acres. Enough to where the Longhorns are now one of the favorites to win the SEC this season.

ESPN’s Greg McElroy went a step further, wondering if this is the best overall roster Sarkisian has had as the Texas head coach. Offensively, the answer is yes with all the pieces expected to contribute. Quinn Ewers carries the load but has plenty of skill around him and a great unit blocking upfront.

“The pieces I think they’ve added in the portal are excellent,” McElroy said. “I think they have adequately filled the void of the three wide receivers that really carried them throughout the season last year. I think their one-two punch at running back is excellent. Offensive line should be great, I think they have depth at that position. They have great depth at quarterback, naturally, with Arch Manning backing up Quinn Ewers who is a Heisman Trophy contender.”

Defensively is where there is some pause for McElroy. Losing Bryon Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat is the biggest offseason storyline surrounding Texas, needing to replace two All-Big 12-caliber defensive tackles. Multiple bodies have been brought in via the portal.

If anything, Texas might be deeper on defense compared to 2023 but does not have the top-end talent of others in the SEC.

“My biggest issue is on the defensive side,” McElroy said. “I know they lost two massive pieces on the interior. They also lost Jaylan Ford, their middle linebacker. So, they lost really good players defensively. They went to the protal and got some guys but I think it’s going to be more quantity-based than quality-based as far as those positions go.

“I don’t think they’ll be bad defensively, they have good personnel. But I just wonder if they’re going to be as good on the top end at certain positions as they were throughout last year’s season.”

Texas will put talent all over the field and with the exception being Georgia, might have perceived the better roster in every game they play in 2024. Confidence is certainly high in Austin and for good reason. McElroy is certainly bullish on what the Longhorns can do coming out of Media Days.