Why Steve Sarkisian's Strategic Move to Rebuild the Texas RB Room
AUSTIN, TEXAS — In a strategic move that has sparked curiosity and debate, Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, has embarked on a mission to rebuild the running back (RB) room, just 14 months after Tashard Choice, the former RB coach, expressed confidence in the team's capabilities. Choice's departure and the subsequent challenges faced by the team have led Sarkisian to take bold action, introducing new talent to transform the RB room.
The initial concern arose from the team's struggles against elite defenses in 2024, despite their talent and experience along the offensive line. Key players like CJ Baxter, Christian Clark, and Jerrick Gibson faced injuries and inconsistencies, impacting the team's performance. This led to a mass exodus of players, including Choice's former protege, Jahmyr Gibbs, who joined the Detroit Lions.
As the team grappled with mechanical issues and early-season injuries, the running game faced a worst-case scenario. Players like Quintrevion Wisner and Baxter suffered hamstring injuries, while Clark and Gibson struggled to find their rhythm. Gibson's departure in mid-October further exacerbated the situation, as the team finished the season tied for 78th nationally in runs of 10-plus yards.
Sarkisian's response was swift and decisive. He introduced a new wave of talent, including Arizona State transfer Raleek Brown and NC State transfer Hollywood Smothers, both 5'11, 195-pound players with impressive breakaway percentages and game-changing abilities. Brown, with his versatility as a wide receiver and a standout performance in 2025, and Smothers, an Oklahoma signee with a high breakaway percentage, were brought in to address the team's rushing woes.
Sarkisian's vision for the RB room involves a return to a style of play that emphasizes versatility, explosiveness, and the ability to create explosive runs. He believes that Brown and Smothers, with their all-conference credentials and high-level experience, will contribute to this transformation.
The acquisition of Brown and Smothers was a challenging feat, as Sarkisian had to secure their services despite initial links to other schools. The head coach's determination to bring in these talented players was driven by their potential to complement each other and their shared desire to win. Smothers, in particular, emphasized his focus on winning rather than NIL offers.
The close bond between Brown and Smothers, described as 'best friends' by Sarkisian, further highlights the potential success of this strategic move. The coach's hope is that this marriage of talent and experience will benefit all parties involved, leading to a more explosive and successful running game for the Texas Longhorns.
