Texas AD Chris Del Conte reveals what Longhorns will do instead of playing the spring game.

As the Texas Longhorns approach the 2025 football season, the program is looking to take a fresh approach to the traditional spring football game. The spring game has long been an event for fans, alumni, and recruits to see the team in action and gauge the progress made during spring practices. However, Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte recently revealed that the Longhorns will not be holding their typical spring game this year. Instead, they will be doing something entirely different—an innovative move aimed at fostering a competitive, engaging environment that will prepare the team for the upcoming season while still giving fans an opportunity to connect with the program.

In this article, we will explore the reasoning behind this decision, what the Longhorns will be doing instead of the spring game, and how this change will impact the team and the fans. Additionally, we will examine the broader implications of this move for the future of college football spring practices and how other programs might follow suit.

Why the Texas Longhorns Won’t Play the Traditional Spring Game

The decision to not hold the traditional spring game for the Texas Longhorns has raised some eyebrows. For many, the spring game is a tradition—a way to kick off the new season, showcase the team’s development, and get fans excited about the coming year. However, Chris Del Conte’s revelation is a part of a larger strategy to evolve how the team approaches its preparation and fan engagement.

1. Focus on Development Over Public Scrimmages

One of the primary reasons Texas has opted not to hold a traditional spring game is to shift the focus toward player development. Spring practices are crucial for the coaching staff to evaluate their players, fine-tune their systems, and make necessary adjustments. The Longhorns have a deep roster with plenty of competition for starting spots, particularly at quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back. With so much talent on the roster, the coaching staff needs more structured, high-intensity practices to evaluate player performance, rather than an exhibition game that may not offer an accurate representation of where players stand.

Rather than splitting the team into two squads for a public scrimmage, the Longhorns’ coaching staff will likely concentrate on more focused, position-specific drills and scrimmages that offer a higher level of competition. By doing so, they can simulate game situations without the pressure of a public event that could potentially lead to some players holding back or not showing their full potential.

2. Avoiding Injuries and Protecting Key Players

Another reason behind this decision is the desire to protect key players from unnecessary injuries. Although spring games are usually relatively low-contact, there is always the risk of a player getting injured, especially if the stakes are high or the competition gets more intense. Given the fact that Texas has several star players on both sides of the ball—players who will be expected to contribute heavily in the fall—coaches want to avoid taking any risks with their health.

Injuries during the spring game have been a concern for many programs in the past, with star players getting hurt in what is essentially a scrimmage. Texas has had its fair share of injury concerns in recent years, and the decision to forgo the spring game may be a way to ensure that they don’t lose any crucial players ahead of the 2025 season. Instead, the team will likely continue to work on developing depth and getting younger players more opportunities to step up.

3. Giving Fans a Different Experience

While the traditional spring game may no longer be in the plans, Del Conte and the Texas athletic department are still committed to engaging fans and providing them with an experience that brings them closer to the team. In fact, the Longhorns are planning an event that will be just as exciting, if not more so, than the traditional spring game—one that will still give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s preparation.

Rather than watching a public scrimmage, fans will have the opportunity to experience a variety of other activities designed to showcase the team’s work ethic, commitment, and progress. These may include fan events, autograph sessions, behind-the-scenes access to practice, and interactive Q&A sessions with the coaching staff and players. This alternative approach to fan engagement will allow for a deeper connection between the program and the community, without the potential risks of an in-game injury or underwhelming public display.

4. More Focus on the Development of Newer Players

The spring game is often a showcase for upperclassmen and star players, leaving limited opportunities for younger players to shine. By avoiding the public scrimmage, Texas can focus more on the development of newer and younger players, giving them the attention they need to contribute when the season begins. This move could be especially beneficial for the Longhorns as they have a number of younger recruits and transfers who will need to adjust to the system and earn their place in the depth chart. Players who would not normally get a lot of playing time in a spring game will have a better chance to prove their worth during these practices, which may give them an edge heading into the fall.

In addition, many college football programs—including Texas—are leaning more into the use of their off-season strength programs and mental preparation. By moving away from the traditional spring game format, the Longhorns have the chance to focus more on player growth in the areas of mental toughness, physical conditioning, and technical skill. This approach is becoming more common in the evolving landscape of college football.

What Will the Texas Longhorns Do Instead of the Spring Game?

So, what exactly will Texas do instead of holding the typical spring game? The school and coaching staff have hinted at several plans to keep fans engaged while still focusing on the development of their team.

1. Practice Open to Fans

One of the most exciting developments is that the Texas Longhorns will open up certain practices to fans. While the exact schedule of open practices has not been confirmed, fans will be able to attend select sessions where they can watch the team go through drills, conditioning, and team-building exercises. These practices will provide a more intimate look at the inner workings of the team, with fans being able to watch their favorite players up close.

2. Fan Engagement Activities

Along with practices, Texas is planning a series of fan engagement activities that will bring the Longhorns and their supporters together in a meaningful way. These activities may include autograph sessions, meet-and-greets with coaches and players, and perhaps even a fan “family day” that allows for personal interactions with the team. Fans will have the opportunity to see the passion and dedication of the players as they prepare for the upcoming season, which is just as valuable as watching the team in a spring game scenario.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Access

For fans who want a deeper look into the inner workings of Texas football, the athletic department is considering providing more behind-the-scenes access. This could include exclusive footage from practices, locker room tours, and interviews with players and coaches that offer a unique perspective on the team’s preparation for the 2025 season. Texas fans are known for their loyalty and support, and this inside look into the daily grind of their beloved Longhorns will likely increase fan engagement and excitement heading into the fall.

Impact on the Team and Fans

The decision to forgo the traditional spring game may have some initial disappointment for fans who were looking forward to seeing the team in action. However, the impact on the team should be overwhelmingly positive. By prioritizing player development, team chemistry, and safety over an exhibition game, the Longhorns are giving themselves the best chance to perform well when the season begins. Moreover, they are setting themselves up for a deep and successful run in the Big 12 and beyond.

For fans, the innovative approach to spring activities will provide new ways to interact with the team and experience the excitement of the upcoming season. Instead of a simple exhibition game, fans will have access to exclusive content, practice sessions, and special events that will build anticipation for the fall.