The Texas Longhorns‘ road to redemption might take a little longer than expected. Reports are swirling that head coach Steve Sarkisian is considering scrapping this year’s spring game. But why? The Longhorns just wrapped up a grueling 16-game season in 2024. Rest is now a top priority. So, with a title drought still looming, taking time to recharge could be the key to their championship hopes.
Steve Sarkisian has flipped the script in Austin. With a 25-5 record and back-to-back CFP runs, Texas is no longer knocking—they’re kicking the door down. Although the Longhorns are built to contend, 2025 brings a new vibe. Spring ball might look different this year. After a grueling 16-game stretch, rest is part of the game plan. Sark isn’t just chasing wins—he’s playing the long game. And while change is in the air, Texas isn’t alone. Power programs everywhere are adjusting, and the Longhorns are right at the front of the evolution.
However, Texas took a big hit, losing Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy to the NFL. And replacing that firepower? No easy task. But Steve Sarkisian wasted no time hitting the portal hard. He brought in big names—Matthew Golden from Houston, Isaiah Bond from Bama, and Silas Bolden out of Oregon State. Speed, experience, and playmaking ability now fill the room. But with Arch Manning stepping into the spotlight, the pressure’s on. Sark’s got one job: protect his QB by giving him reliable weapons. So, the message is clear—no excuses in the air game this season.
On the April 17th episode of On3 Recruits, Josh Newberg and Justin Wells broke down Texas’ early moves in the transfer portal. Here, Newberg noted the Horns wasted no time. Stanford wideout Emmett Mosley jumped aboard thanks to a 30-day waiver—Stanford’s coaching change opened the door early. Then Justin Wells followed up with confidence and said, “They just filled one yesterday…Emmett Mosley, the fifth. He’s a guy that’s going to fit really well in their scheme.” So, with portal madness underway, the Longhorns are moving fast—and smart.
And Wells didn’t hold back in praising Emmett Mosley. “He’s good in 12 personnel, he’s a hell of a blocker, catches everything, and will move the chains on third down,” he said. To be honest, he is a true plug-and-play guy for Sark’s offense. But the job’s not done. According to Wells, Texas could still grab another receiver if the right name hits the portal. Injuries have thinned the depth chart this spring, and adding experience could be key. So, the Horns feel good about their room—but they’re staying ready.
Look, injuries are piling up in the Texas wide receiver room—DeAndre Moore and Ryan Wingo are both sidelined. That’s why depth is suddenly a concern. Luckily, adding Emmett Mosley gives them a big boost, but the hunt for another wideout isn’t off the table. Then there’s the kicker situation. The Longhorns need a new leg—plain and simple. Bert Auburn started strong over his first two seasons but struggled late in 2024, missing key kicks and losing confidence. Will Stone stepped in for the Cotton Bowl, but Texas is eyeing another experienced option. And according to Wells, they might already have someone in mind.
So, Texas needs reinforcements at tight end to help protect Arch Manning and power the offense, especially with Jordan Washington nursing a collarbone injury and key veterans like Sanders and Helm gone. A transfer with experience is likely on the way, and don’t sleep on freshman Nick Townsen, who’s built to contribute right away.
But while Sarkisian’s team is taking shape around Arch Manning, the Texas HC sends a clear message with his five-figure hire.
Texas HC speaks on new hire
From Big 12 rivals to teammates, Texas HC Sarkisian has made a powerful offseason move by bringing former West Virginia HC Neal Brown onto his staff. However, the impact? It’s already showing. At his Monday press conference, Sark highlighted how Brown’s experience is already benefiting the Longhorns. Honestly, the collaboration between the two is proving to be a game-changer for Texas as they gear up for the season.
“Neal has been an awesome addition,” stated Texas HC. Adding, “When you can have an extra set of head coach eyes, it’s always helpful because they’re always looking for the things that, from a head coach’s perspective, are important to you. You can’t see it all the time, and he’s done a great job with that.” So, this fresh perspective is already making waves for the Longhorns as they sharpen their game under Sarkisian’s leadership.
Well, after 6 seasons in Morgantown, Neal Brown’s tenure at West Virginia came to an end. Despite a strong 9-4 record in 2023, it was his only season surpassing 6 wins. However, in his final year, the Mountaineers finished with a 6-6 record, marking a disappointing trend—4 straight seasons of 6 wins or fewer. Now, after being let go, Brown is ready to bring his experience to the Texas sidelines.
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