Steve Sarkisian Defends His Controversial Decision

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Steve Sarkisian Defends His Controversial Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated Mar 11, 2025 4:34 PM ET

The Texas Longhorns’ decision to cancel their annual spring game this year has ignited controversy, but head coach Steve Sarkisian isn’t backing down. With critics questioning the move and speculation running wild, the head coach doubled down on his decision and fired back at the media.

Sarkisian's decision was met with criticism as he made the announcement while guest-starring on Kay Adams' show, "Up and Adams."

Some have suggested the decision was tied to tampering concerns, with rival programs increasingly aggressive in poaching talent through the transfer portal. But others have raised a different question — what does this mean for Arch Manning?

.@CoachSark announces that @TexasFootball won't be having a Spring game this year @heykayadams | #HookEm pic.twitter.com/KzONTjxYiQ
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 20, 2025

As Texas’ undisputed QB1, the former five-star recruit is set to lead the Longhorns into the SEC, but without a public scrimmage, fans and rivals alike won’t get to see how much he has progressed this offseason.

Sarkisian Fires Back Amid Growing Speculation

Sarkisian, however, shut down any notion that the Longhorns were trying to hide Manning or shield players from outside attention. Instead, he emphasized that logistics and player safety drove the decision.

“We are not running from anything,” Sarkisian said, dismissing claims that Texas was afraid of exposure.

Still, the absence of a spring game leaves unanswered questions about Manning’s readiness to take full control of the offense. While there’s no longer a competition for the starting job, his development remains a major storyline as Texas prepares for its highly anticipated SEC debut.

Sarkisian may have defended the program’s decision, but with Manning now the face of Texas football, the scrutiny will only intensify.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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