Steve Sarkisian says Texas must win for Bijan Robinson to earn Heisman

Two Heisman Trophies call Austin, TX home, with both coming from running backs. Earl Campbell and Ricky Williams both won the award in their final season with Texas. Bijan Robinson is hoping to do the same but as things stand, he’s considered a longshot behind a plethora of quarterbacks and Michigan‘s Blake Corum.

Steve Sarkisian was asked about Robinson possibly winning the award and took the opportunity to explain what his running back does well. Especially with two true freshmen on the offensive line for the Longhorns, Sarkisian has been impressed with the production and impact Robinson has had this season.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

“I think Bijan is a fantastic football player,” Sarkisian said. “He’s such a versatile guy. Whether it’s running it, catching the ball out of the backfield, catching the ball as a wide receiver, what he means to our team. Coming into the season with a very young offensive line and what he’s been able to do is extremely impressive. The explosive plays, the tough runs.”

Robinson currently has the sixth most rushing yards in the country, heading into Saturday with 1,129. Nobody else in the Big 12 is ahead of him though, easily being the best back in the conference.

Add in a career-high 314 receiving yards on just 19 carries and Sarkisian knows he has a player who can do nearly anything on a football field.

Texas winning will help Bijan Robinson Heisman Trophy resume

No matter how well a player is performing, they are not going to be considered for the Heisman Trophy if their team is not winning. More times than not, whoever winds up hoisting college football’s most prestigious individual award has some sort of say in the national championship race.

While Texas will not be involved there, they can still put up an impressive record and help Robinson get some recognition. Sarkisian says winning the three remaining games is a must to get their running back to New York, beginning with No. 4 ranked TCU in primetime.

“The Heisman is a unique thing,” said Sarkisian. “Usually, the Heisman goes to the teams that are winning. Whichever guy is on the team that is winning, generally is the guy that is one of the front runners for it. So, if we want him to be considered for something that prestigious of an award, we got to do our part as a team. We got to keep winning more games.”

All focus is on TCU right now — a team Robinson saw success against last season with 216 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries. Baylor and Kansas are next up on the schedule and if the winning happens as Sarkisian suggests, a Big 12 Championship will be another big stage for Robinson to perform.

Derrick Henry was the last running back to win the award back in 2015 with Alabama. With some great quarterback candidates this season, Robinson may have an uphill battle to at least make it to New York. But Sarkisian at least wants his team to do their part by getting the necessary wins.