Should Texas Consider Canceling Spring Games for Private OTA-Style Workouts?

Spring football has long been a staple of the college football offseason, offering fans an early glimpse of their teams while providing coaches with a structured environment to evaluate talent. However, with the rise of the transfer portal, NIL deals, and increased player movement, some programs are now considering canceling traditional spring games in favor of private OTA-style workouts to protect their rosters from scouting and poaching by other programs.

For a program like Texas, which boasts one of the most talented rosters in college football, this raises a critical question: Should the Longhorns abandon their traditional spring game in favor of closed-door training sessions?

The Growing Concern: Player Poaching and Scouting

The transfer portal era has changed how rosters are managed in college football. With immediate eligibility rules allowing players to switch schools more freely, some coaches worry that spring games provide rival programs an opportunity to scout potential transfer targets.

Why Some Schools Are Moving Away from Spring Games

Several programs have begun rethinking the necessity of a traditional spring game for the following reasons:

1. Preventing Scouting by Rival Programs
   • In a publicly televised spring game, coaches and scouts from other schools can evaluate players who might not see much playing time in the fall but could be intriguing transfer portal options.
   • Backup quarterbacks, underutilized skill position players, or rising underclassmen can become prime poaching targets if they flash in a spring game but are buried on the depth chart.
2. Minimizing Transfer Portal Risks
   • With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals influencing player movement, some schools worry that high-performing players in a spring game might receive lucrative NIL offers from other programs, tempting them to enter the portal.
   • Private OTA-style workouts allow teams to evaluate players internally without exposing them to external influence.
3. More Controlled Practice Environments
   • Unlike a game-like setting, OTA-style workouts allow coaches to fine-tune specific aspects of development without the pressure of public performance.
   • Teams can run scripted drills, controlled scrimmages, and customized training sessions that better align with seasonal goals.
4. Reducing Injury Risks in Meaningless Games
   • While spring games are exciting for fans, they often result in unnecessary injuries that could impact the fall season.
   • A private practice structure minimizes the risks of game-speed injuries while still providing valuable reps for players.

Would This Make Sense for Texas?

Texas is one of the most high-profile programs in the country, boasting a deep and talented roster under head coach Steve Sarkisian. With their move to the SEC in 2024, roster management has become even more crucial as the Longhorns prepare to compete in the nation’s toughest conference.

Reasons Why Texas Should Consider Private Workouts

1. Protecting Young Talent from Poaching
   • Texas has one of the best recruiting classes in the country, and its backup players could be starters at many other schools.
   • A public spring game showcases these players to rival SEC programs, increasing the risk of transfer portal movement.
2. Quarterback Room Confidentiality
   • Texas has a highly competitive quarterback room, with players like Arch Manning, Quinn Ewers, and Maalik Murphy competing for reps.
   • If a player like Murphy or Manning shines in the spring game, other programs could attempt to lure them away with starting opportunities and NIL deals.
3. Greater Emphasis on Individual Development
   • Texas is building a pro-style program, and OTA-style workouts would allow the Longhorns to train in an NFL-like environment, focusing more on skill development and positional drills rather than a glorified scrimmage.
4. Strategic Advantage Against SEC Opponents
   • Texas is entering the most competitive conference in college football, where opponents like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU will be analyzing every detail of their roster.
   • By keeping spring workouts private, Texas limits the amount of scouting material available to future SEC rivals.

Reasons Why Texas Should Keep the Spring Game

1. Fan Engagement and Recruiting
   • The Texas Spring Game is a major event for fans, recruits, and boosters, helping to build excitement for the upcoming season.
   • A packed stadium for a spring game creates a positive impression for recruits, showing them the passion and investment of Texas fans.
2. Game-Like Reps for Players
   • The spring game environment allows players to experience live game action, which can’t be replicated in a practice setting.
   • Young players get a chance to compete under pressure, which is essential for their development.
3. National Branding and Exposure
   • Texas has a massive national following, and its spring game is televised on the Longhorn Network and ESPN.
   • Canceling the game could result in less media exposure for the program, impacting branding and NIL opportunities.

The Best of Both Worlds: A Hybrid Model?

If Texas is concerned about player poaching and scouting, but still values fan engagement, a possible solution could be a hybrid approach:

• Keep the Spring Game but Limit Access to Key Players
  • Texas could play a modified spring game where key players (like Arch Manning or top defensive stars) participate in limited action or controlled scrimmages.
• More Closed-Door Scrimmages Prior to the Public Game
  • Texas could hold several private OTA-style workouts leading up to the spring game, ensuring that the bulk of important evaluations happen behind closed doors.
• Reduce Live Broadcasting or Delay Coverage
  • Instead of airing the spring game live, Texas could limit media access or show a condensed version to prevent rival programs from gathering too much film.

Final Thoughts: Should Texas Change Its Spring Game Format?

The transfer portal, NIL era, and SEC competition are forcing college programs to rethink how they conduct spring football. While eliminating the spring game entirely would protect Texas from player poaching and scouting, it could also hurt recruiting, fan engagement, and player development.

The best approach might be a hybrid model that maintains a spring game for public engagement but also prioritizes private OTA-style workouts to protect roster integrity.

As Texas prepares for life in the SEC, strategic adjustments will be necessary. Whether that means changing how they approach spring football remains a key discussion point for Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns’ staff.