Steve Sarkisian’s NFL-Driven Approach to Texas Longhorns’ Offseason

In the world of college football, change is inevitable. As teams seek an edge over their competitors, some have turned to innovative approaches to enhance player development and game performance. One such change has come from Steve Sarkisian, head coach of the Texas Longhorns, who has adopted an “NFL-driven” approach to the team’s offseason preparation. With this strategy, Sarkisian aims to reshape how his players train and develop in the months leading up to the season, ensuring they are physically, mentally, and tactically ready for the demands of modern college football.

The Rationale Behind the Shift

There’s more to Sarkisian’s decision than just a shift in philosophy—it’s a response to several critical factors. College football, as a whole, has undergone tremendous change over the past decade, with the evolution of recruiting, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, and the transfer portal making it more competitive and unpredictable than ever before. For the Texas Longhorns, these challenges require a response that reflects both the current landscape of the sport and the team’s ambitions for the future.

One of the most pressing reasons behind the shift is the increasing demands on players. Texas has played 30 games over the last two seasons, including 14 games in 2023 and a full 16-game season in 2024. This intense schedule places a tremendous physical and mental burden on players, necessitating an offseason regimen that not only addresses physical fitness but also recovery and skill enhancement. With high-stakes matchups each week, players need to be at their peak, and this change in approach seeks to ensure that they are ready for those challenges.

In addition to the game load, Texas has been seeing an influx of young talent, with several recruits making an early impact. With 21 mid-year high school recruits joining the program and an impressive 25 Longhorns invited to the NFL Combine over the past two years, Sarkisian’s team is full of potential, but potential is only realized with the right guidance and development. The new approach is designed to maximize that potential, turning raw talent into polished playmakers.

NFL-Driven Approach: The Key Elements

Sarkisian’s decision to adopt a more NFL-like approach is one of the most notable changes to the offseason training program. This shift moves away from traditional methods and introduces elements used by professional teams to develop players throughout the offseason. Let’s take a closer look at the key features of this new approach.

1. Elimination of the Traditional Spring Game
   In a departure from the traditional spring football game, which often features full-contact scrimmages in front of fans, Sarkisian has decided to focus more on structured practices. This decision reflects a growing trend among top-tier college programs to reconsider the value of these games, especially given the risks they present in terms of player injury and fatigue. For Texas, the spring game will be replaced with more controlled practices aimed at player development, refining team strategies, and focusing on individual skills. The goal is to avoid unnecessary injuries while still getting high-quality reps in a controlled environment.
2. Organized Team Activities (OTAs)
   In the NFL, OTAs are a critical part of player development, focusing on skill-building, conditioning, and mental preparation. Sarkisian has borrowed this idea and integrated it into the Texas offseason regimen. Instead of having large-scale scrimmages or open practices, the Longhorns will engage in OTA-style sessions that allow coaches to focus on specific drills, position-specific skills, and team-building exercises. These sessions are structured to ensure that players hone their craft and improve in areas that are crucial to their role on the team, ensuring that every minute spent in the offseason counts.
3. Gradual Intensification
   A hallmark of NFL training programs is the progressive intensity in training. NFL teams increase the difficulty and complexity of their training as the offseason progresses, ensuring players are physically and mentally prepared for the season ahead. Similarly, Sarkisian’s program at Texas will follow a staged approach, with intensity gradually increasing over time. Early offseason practices will focus on fundamentals and light conditioning, while later practices will ramp up in terms of speed, intensity, and even scrimmage situations that simulate real-game scenarios. This progressive approach ensures that players build endurance and skills at a pace that primes them for the demands of the season.
4. Focus on Recovery and Mental Health
   Another key aspect of Sarkisian’s NFL-driven approach is an increased focus on player recovery and mental health. In the NFL, players face long seasons, and maintaining their physical health is just as important as maintaining their skillset. Similarly, Sarkisian wants his players to approach the offseason with an emphasis on rest and recovery. In addition to physical recovery, Sarkisian acknowledges the importance of mental health, with the understanding that the mental fortitude required to compete at a high level is just as important as physical preparedness. Players will have access to resources to manage both their physical recovery and mental well-being.

Why It Matters

The NFL-driven approach Sarkisian has implemented isn’t just about mimicking professional teams—it’s about creating an environment where players are treated like professionals from day one. It signals a shift in college football where player development becomes a year-round priority, not just limited to the traditional fall and spring seasons. By adopting practices that mirror those seen in the NFL, Sarkisian is raising the bar for what it takes to be successful in college football.

There are several benefits to this approach. First, it minimizes the risk of injury by reducing unnecessary contact and focusing on specific drills that improve skills while keeping players safe. Second, it helps develop players in a more personalized way, recognizing that each player’s needs and goals are different. Whether it’s improving strength, speed, or mental toughness, the new approach allows players to focus on their individual development rather than engaging in a one-size-fits-all training session. Finally, it enhances the overall competitiveness of the team by ensuring that players are physically prepared, mentally sharp, and ready to perform at the highest levels.

Looking Ahead

The shift to an NFL-driven offseason program is more than just a trend—it’s a reflection of the way college football is evolving in response to the increased demands of the modern game. Sarkisian’s method is not only about developing players but about preparing them for a world where competition is fierce, and preparation is key. For the Texas Longhorns, this strategic overhaul could be the key to unlocking their full potential and building a team that’s ready to compete for championships in the years to come.

As college football continues to evolve, it’s clear that programs like Texas will be at the forefront of these changes, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be ready for the college football season. Whether other programs follow suit remains to be seen, but for now, Sarkisian’s NFL-driven approach stands as an innovative model for how to handle the demands of modern college football and set a team up for success.