In a strategic move aimed at accelerating the development of his young players, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian announced that the team will forego its traditional Orange-White spring game in 2025. Sarkisian’s decision is driven by the need to maximize practice time, as the Longhorns welcome 22 freshmen and five new transfers to the roster.
With a slew of new faces and key departures, including starting offensive linemen, quarterback Quinn Ewers, and defensive stalwarts Jahdae Barron and Barryn Sorrell, Sarkisian recognizes the importance of dedicating every available moment to building a strong foundation. By eliminating the spring game, the Longhorns can focus on intensive practice sessions, allowing Sarkisian and his staff to mold the team’s identity and instill a deeper understanding of the program’s values and systems.
“We’re not having a spring game because I’ve got 27 new faces on my roster that I need to take time to develop,” Sarkisian explained. “That development starts at the beginning of spring ball, where we’ve got to really build a foundation of understanding the whys of what we do, from how we practice to the drills that we do, to the foundational aspects of the offense, the defense, the special teams.”
By prioritizing practice time, Sarkisian aims to foster a cohesive unit, equipped to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season. As the Longhorns embark on this critical period of growth and development, Sarkisian’s decision to scrap the spring game underscores his commitment to building a strong, resilient team capable of competing at the highest level.