Texas will forgo a traditional spring game in 2025, and Steve Sarkisian has provided an explanation.

Following a growing trend among top college football programs, Texas will forgo a traditional spring game in 2025, with Steve Sarkisian announcing on Thursday that the Longhorns will instead use their 15 spring practices for NFL-style OTAs.

Sarkisian cited multiple reasons for the decision, noting that Texas has played 30 games over the past two seasons—14 two years ago and 16 this year—which is a high workload for a college team. He also highlighted the program’s success in sending 25 players to the NFL Combine in that span and emphasized the need for development, especially with 21 early-enrollee freshmen, making a different spring approach more beneficial.

Sarkisian explained that Texas will take a more NFL-style approach, using OTA-style practices early in the spring before transitioning to scrimmages later. He believes that simply playing a spring game isn’t the best use of their 15 allotted practices and emphasized the need to adapt as college football evolves.

Spring football games were once a key part of the fan experience, with Alabama famously filling Bryant-Denny Stadium for Nick Saban’s first A-Day Game in 2007, and networks like ESPN regularly televising these events.

That trend may be shifting, as several major-conference coaches have recently questioned the value of spring games. Nebraska’s Matt Rhule expressed concerns about playing one, fearing it would give other programs a chance to scout his players and potentially lure them away through transfers. Meanwhile, Ohio State and USC have opted to cancel their spring games altogether.

However, most schools seem reluctant to abandon the tradition, as these events attract thousands of fans and generate revenue during an otherwise quiet period on campus. Many programs may take inspiration from Ole Miss, which last year transformed its “Grove Bowl” into more of a fan experience, featuring skills competitions and entertainment instead of a standard scrimmage.

Alabama and Auburn have both scheduled their A-Day spring games for April 12, though neither program has announced what format the game will follow.