Looks like Steve Sarkisian isn’t just calling audibles—he’s rewriting the whole playbook. This time, it’s something that could shake Texas’ future in the league. Have you ever heard of a team canceling its spring game? Well, after Nebraska, it looks like Texas might be the next to do so. It’s not because Sark has any issues with the game, but rather because he needs a plan to protect Arch Manning. Even the fans are urging him to do it. But big moves come with big costs, and this one throws six figures straight out the window.
Now taking tampering, injuries, and the transfer portal into consideration, various teams are considering the option of canceling the spring games. Because no one wants to make their players a walking eye candy for other teams. Even Steve Sarkisian is considering this option. Jeff Jones from KVUE dropped some inside scoop on the situation, saying, “A report from our friends at Horns 24/7 says Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is considering canceling this year’s spring game. Today’s report lists wear and tear on players as one of Sark’s main concerns.”
On top of that, all eyes are on Arch Manning, and Sark simply cannot afford to lose him. As the guy is set to be Texas’ signal-caller next season, the spring game is the perfect opportunity for other teams to sniff around and poach key players. Furthermore, after enduring a grueling 16-game campaign, which is the longest in program history, Texas could certainly use a breather. If they want to end their national title drought next season, it might be a smart move to rest up and play it strategically.
Some schools are considering canceling traditional spring games in favor of private OTA-style workouts to prevent player scouting and poaching.
Should Texas consider this? pic.twitter.com/7FKA2NRvVH
— Inside Texas (@InsideTexas) February 7, 2025
Now, here’s where things get tricky. Scrapping the spring game means Texas will take a hit financially. Ticket sales alone bring in around $600K, not to mention it’s also the exposure for players trying to make a name for themselves. However, Sarkisian isn’t concerned about the money. He’s playing the long game and prioritizing keeping his squad fresh for the challenges of the SEC. As he understands the setbacks spring games can bring to his team, Jeff breaks his words saying, “Sark told us he’d like the college offseason structured more like the pros, though he understands it may come at the expense of spring games.”
See, one thing is clear: Texas is locking in for the Arch Manning era, and Sark isn’t messing around. The mission is simple: keep the team fresh, focused, and chasing championships. If that means sacrificing a few hundred grand in ticket sales, so be it. However, let’s be realistic: the longer wait to see their team play will disappoint Longhorn fans. And if Texas starts the next season with a stumble, you can bet that this decision will come back to haunt Sark in his dreams.
Fans urging Steve Sarkisian to protect Arch Manning
Well, one can’t deny the fact that spring game fear is real. A few weeks ago, Matt Rhule threw away the chance to gain a massive chance to earn a big amount just to protect his players from injuries and transferring. Because other teams might offer something out of their reach. Now Texas fans are pleading with Steve Sarkisian to follow the same path to protect their QB1 Manning, saying, “Yea, cancel it and make it a Pro Bowl Games type of event.” If Sark decides to make it like a Pro Bowl game also, there’s less chance of injury and stress!
Moreover, if you think rationally, it makes sense. As pro league teams ease into their offseason before returning to training camps. But here in CFB, teams are like playing spring bowl in scorching summer, making things worse for them. Even this fan highlights the same thing, saying, “Does the NFL have a spring game? Dump it.”
Some normal, less aggressive team activities might work efficiently rather than making players go all in for the game and end up losing them. That’s something that can happen with Steve Sarkisian in the case of Arch. As the team is already coming from a long season, now they should play their cards efficiently just like this fan suggests, “Yes. It would minimize the extra wear and tear our players have had recently with deep postseason runs. OTAs are fine with me.”
The team is already dealing with the loss of nine players who entered the transfer portal in January. And now if more join them into the portal, it will be no surprise. NIL is something that changes everyone’s mindset. Let’s not forget Bryce Underwood. So, as this fan says, “Yes. The spring game is garbage.” Steve Sarkisian might take a second thought about it!
Now, the silver lining is that whether Texas Longhorns think about money or make a move to save up their roster. Even this fan feels the same about it, as they say, “That’s dumb as hell.” A national title is something that holds a larger value in everyone’s eyes and there are other ways too in which players can earn. They have NIL, which will land him deals and sponsorships. Now let’s just wait and see what Steve Sarkisian’s next move is!
The post Texas Nation Begs Steve Sarkisian to Protect Arch Manning & Take a Tough Call That Might Lead to 6-Figure Consequences appeared first on EssentiallySports.
