Report: Steve Sarkisian considering eliminating Texas spring game after lengthy 2024 season

Texas just endured its longest season in program history, playing in 16 games. An SEC Championship appearance and three College Football Playoff games meant the Longhorns played a ton of football. Now, Steve Sarkisian is having to think of creative ways to keep his team fresh moving forward.

Reportedly, the process may begin in the coming months. According to Chip Brown of Horns247, Sarkisian is considering eliminating the Texas spring game as a part of a revamped spring schedule in Austin.

“[Texas Longhorns] coach Steve Sarkisian, concerned about player wear-and-tear after a 16-game season in 2024, is considering a revamped spring football schedule that could include no spring game, sources tell @Horns247,” Brown said via X.

Winter workouts just got underway for Texas and to this point, no dates have been announced for spring practice. It’s a new era for the program as Arch Manning is taking over as the starting quarterback. Manning was the star of last year’s Texas spring game, throwing for 355 yards and three touchdowns.

Quinn Ewers spent most of the day on the sideline, attempting to preserve his health. Texas could not make that true for the entire program if Sarkisian does, in fact, go through with getting rid of the spring game.

Aug. 30 is a big date for Texas as it’s the season opener against Ohio State. Sarkisian certainly has plans to make another CFP run with next year’s national championship being in Miami on Jan. 19. Over five months of football can take a serious strain, getting a first-hand look in 2024.

Finding ways to keep his team fresh and healthy has to be a goal moving forward for Sarkisian.

Xavier Worthy expects Arch Manning to win Heisman Trophy

In 2023, Xavier Worthy got a front-row seat to Arch Manning’s freshman year at Texas. Manning sat behind Quinn Ewers on the depth chart after arriving as a highly rated recruit, but ended up seeing action late in the year.

At the time, Worthy told Manning he could win the Heisman Trophy during his college career. As he gets ready to take over as the Longhorns’ starter in 2025, that bar hasn’t changed.

Speaking at Super Bowl LIX media day on Monday, Worthy said he expects Manning to bring home college football’s top honor. When asked if a national championship could also be in the cards, he said the two go hand-in-hand.

“Arch is a dog, man,” Worthy said. “I expect nothing less than a Heisman. … He’s gonna get [a national championship], too. To win the Heisman, you’ve got to be in that conversation.”

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report