Texas coach Steve Sarkisian tells his players to act like a thermostat. Set the tone in games, practices and the classroom. Never let up. It’s been his mantra since he became head coach in 2021.

If the upcoming NFL draft is any indication, Texas is hot.

The Longhorns sent a school-record 11 players to the NFL Scouting Combine and have a chance for three players to be selected in the first round of the draft.

The last time Texas had multiple players picked in the first round was 2007. Last year, NFL teams drafted five players from Sarkisian’s program, including running back Bijan Robinson in the first round. The Cowboys drafted linebacker DeMarvion Overshown in the third round, marking the first time the Cowboys have drafted a player from Texas since 2018 (Connor Williams, second round). Before Robinson, defensive tackle Malcom Brown was the last Texas player picked in the first round in 2015.

Texas is a Power 5 school, leaving the Big 12 for the football powerhouse that’s the SEC for the 2024 season. A look at previous drafts wouldn’t lead you to believe that. In 2022, no player from Texas was drafted. Last year, things changed and the hard work of Sarkisian and his staff is showing up.

“We always had talent it just getting to that upper notch,” cornerback Ryan Watts said. “It all started with the leadership program when I got there. It was player-led and I don’t think they had that before. I think that was big reason for the change.”

Of the 11 players sent to Indianapolis, defensive tackle Byron Murphy II and receiver Xavier Worthy have strong chances to go in the first round. Murphy, a DeSoto product, is projected as a top-15 pick. Worthy morphed into a first-round projection when he produced a 4.21 40, the fastest time ever at the combine. Receiver Adonai Mitchell, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders could go in the first round but project more as Day 2 selections. Defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat is another possible second- or third-round pick. His stock might drop because of his recent arrest on a DWI charge.

“People are recognizing the development side of what’s here,” Sarkisian said on the All Facts No Breaks podcast hosted by former Cowboys receiver Keyshawn Johnson.

“Like I said, our culture is what helped us get here,” Sanders said. “If you look at our year one, we went from 5-7 to making it to the college football playoff, putting Texas back on the map. It’s a great thing. Just playing for one another, going out there, dominating, having fun with our brothers, playing for one another.”

And Texas players act like they belong on this big stage. During the combine, Worthy talked about running the fastest 40 time and establishing himself as one of the top receivers in this draft.

“An explosive player,” he said when asked to describe himself. “Natural route runner and toughness. I feel like I play with a chip on my shoulder.”

Worthy joked about challenging Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill, considered one of the fastest players in the NFL.

“That would be somebody that I definitely [think would] kinda challenge me,” he said, smiling. “A big challenge.”

Murphy might become the first interior lineman taken off draft boards this spring.

“Just putting in the work,” he said. “Just working hard each and every day. And also, I feel like my tape speaks for itself — I feel like I put a lot on tape this year. … I feel like I showed a lot of NFL teams what I could do, what they can get from me.”

Running back Jonathon Brooks also is among the top players from Texas. He’s recovering from a torn ACL and rushed for 1,139 yards last season. Brooks could be a Day 2 pick. Sanders, with seven touchdown receptions the last two seasons, set a school record with 99 catches at his position. Murphy was a first-team All-Big 12 pick and the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the year. Sweat was the Outland Trophy winner and first-team All-American and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Texas players have the resume to back up boasts that they can contribute in the NFL. Sweat joked at the combine he’d run a 4.4 or 4.51 40. He came in at 5.27. His weight, always a concern, was dismissed. He said he can play at 365 pounds.

To say Texas is back could be an understatement.

It’s hot.

“Big shout-out to Coach Sark,” Sweat said. “What happened is that we all just believed and trust. That’s what got us to this situation, just believing and trusting the head coach.”

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