Steve Sarkisian Explains Why the Texas Longhorns Will Not Play in the Spring

The Texas Longhorns have long followed the tradition of holding a spring football game, giving fans a preview of the team’s progress during the offseason. However, head coach Steve Sarkisian recently announced that the program will not be holding a spring game in 2025. This decision has sparked discussion among fans and analysts, leading many to wonder why Texas is breaking from tradition.

Sarkisian has provided several reasons for this decision, citing factors such as the increased workload from recent seasons, the need for enhanced player development, and a shift towards an NFL-style offseason. Additionally, broader trends in college football—including concerns about player safety, transfer portal activity, and strategic secrecy—have influenced this choice.

This article will explore these reasons in depth, shedding light on why Texas football is making this significant shift in its offseason schedule.

Increased Game Load and Player Development Needs

Wear and Tear from Recent Seasons

One of the primary reasons behind the decision to cancel the spring game is the sheer volume of games the Longhorns have played over the past two seasons. In 2023-24, Texas played 14 games, making it to the College Football Playoff. In 2024-25, the team extended their run, playing 16 games in total. The additional games and postseason success have added to the physical toll on the players.

Sarkisian emphasized that with so many games in such a short period, prioritizing player recovery is essential. A traditional spring game could increase the risk of unnecessary injuries and overexertion for players who have already gone through a grueling schedule.

Developing Young Talent

Another factor is the influx of young talent on the roster. The Longhorns recently brought in 21 mid-year high school enrollees, a significant number for any program. Many of these players need time to adjust to the college game, both physically and mentally.

Rather than having them focus on performing in a spring game setting, Sarkisian believes it is more beneficial to concentrate on structured practices, development drills, and position-specific coaching. This allows the coaching staff to evaluate individual players’ growth without the added pressure of a full-contact scrimmage.

An NFL-Style Offseason Approach

Shift to Organized Team Activities (OTAs)

Sarkisian has noted that college football is evolving, and he wants to adjust the Longhorns’ offseason training methods accordingly. One of these adjustments involves incorporating a model similar to the NFL, which places greater emphasis on Organized Team Activities (OTAs) rather than a singular spring game.

Under this model, the Longhorns will still hold their 15 allotted spring practices, but they will be structured differently. Instead of culminating in a spring game, these practices will focus on specific scrimmage periods, individual drills, and team-building exercises.

This shift allows the team to maximize each practice session by tailoring them to specific developmental goals. It also enables more controlled environments where coaches can work directly with players without the unpredictability of a full-speed scrimmage.

Managing the Roster More Efficiently

Another advantage of adopting an NFL-style approach is the ability to better manage the roster. The Longhorns have a mix of experienced veterans and young players who are still adjusting to the college level. By structuring the offseason more like an NFL training camp, Sarkisian can allocate practice reps more strategically, ensuring that all players get the necessary development time.

College Football’s Evolving Landscape

The Impact of the Transfer Portal

In recent years, the NCAA transfer portal has dramatically changed the way college programs manage their rosters. Players now have more flexibility to transfer, often making their decisions based on playing time and opportunities. Holding a highly publicized spring game could give competitors an opportunity to scout Texas’ roster and potentially lure players away with transfer offers.

By opting out of a traditional spring game, the Longhorns can maintain a level of strategic secrecy. This minimizes the risk of exposing certain players to outside programs that may be looking for talent.

Concerns About Player Safety

Another factor in this decision is player safety. Spring games often involve full-contact scrimmages, which come with the risk of injuries. With the physical toll of recent seasons already weighing on the team, minimizing unnecessary contact is a priority for Sarkisian and his coaching staff.

By focusing on controlled scrimmages within regular practice sessions, the Longhorns can still simulate game scenarios without exposing players to unnecessary injury risks.

The Influence of Other Programs

Texas is not the only program moving away from traditional spring games. Other major programs, such as USC and Nebraska, have also reevaluated their approach to spring football. Some schools have cited similar reasons, including concerns about injuries, the impact of the transfer portal, and the need for more structured player development.

As college football continues to change, more programs may follow this trend, opting for an offseason model that emphasizes long-term player growth over the spectacle of a spring game.

Fan Reactions and What This Means for the Future

The decision to cancel the spring game has generated mixed reactions among Texas fans. Some are disappointed, as the spring game has historically been a chance to see the team in action before the fall season. Others understand the rationale, recognizing that the ultimate goal is to prepare the Longhorns for a deep postseason run.

While this marks a departure from tradition, it could set a new standard for how Texas approaches offseason preparation. If the changes lead to improved player development and sustained success on the field, other programs may follow suit.

Steve Sarkisian’s decision to forgo the Texas Longhorns’ spring game is rooted in a combination of factors: the team’s increased game load, the need to develop young talent, a shift toward an NFL-style offseason, and broader trends in college football. While it may disappoint some fans, the long-term benefits of this approach could prove invaluable as the Longhorns aim for continued success.

As college football continues to evolve, Texas is positioning itself to adapt and thrive in this new era. By prioritizing player health, development, and strategic advantages, the Longhorns are making a calculated move that could pay dividends in the seasons to come.