Texas Longhorns Wrap Up Spring Practice With Optimism

Head coach Steve Sarkisian shares thoughts on team's progress and outlook for the upcoming season

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:21am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a Texas Longhorns football game, with players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of burnt orange and white, conveying the team's intensity and strategic depth.The Texas Longhorns' spring practice session showcases the team's dynamic energy and strategic complexity as they prepare for the upcoming season.Austin Today

The Texas Longhorns completed their spring practice program on Saturday, with head coach Steve Sarkisian providing an update on the team's progress. Sarkisian discussed quarterback Arch Manning's health, the adjustment of new players, the fan turnout, the new defensive scheme under coordinator Will Muschamp, and the team's short-term and long-term goals before the season opener.

Why it matters

The Longhorns are looking to build on a promising 2025 season and make a push for the Big 12 title and a potential College Football Playoff berth. Sarkisian's comments provide insight into the team's development and the high expectations surrounding the program heading into the 2026 campaign.

The details

Sarkisian said quarterback Arch Manning is 100% healthy and ready to go, though the team opted to hold him out of the final spring practice to avoid any unnecessary risk. The coach praised the leadership of the team in helping new players adjust to the program, as well as the progress made in learning new schemes on both offense and defense. Sarkisian also highlighted the intensity and connectivity that new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has brought to the unit.

  • The Longhorns completed their spring practice program on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • The team will have some time off in May before returning for offseason workouts in June and July to prepare for fall camp in August.

The players

Steve Sarkisian

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns football team, leading the program since 2023.

Arch Manning

The starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, a highly touted recruit who is expected to lead the team's offense in 2026.

Will Muschamp

The new defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns, bringing his intense coaching style and expertise to the program.

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What they’re saying

“He's 100% ready to go. I just didn't think it was worth putting them back in here this late in spring. So he got plenty of work. He does a great job, even on the off days of working with the wideouts, throwing with those guys. And they've got really good rapport going already, and looking forward to the summer, working with them.”

— Steve Sarkisian, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns

“There's definitely a style and a brand of football we want to play defensively around here, and coach Muschamp fits that. And he's got a level of intensity that he brings, but he's got a level of connectivity that he has with the players as well that shows, so we're fortunate to have him.”

— Steve Sarkisian, Head Coach, Texas Longhorns

What’s next

The Longhorns will have some time off in May before returning for offseason workouts in June and July to prepare for fall camp in August.

The takeaway

The Texas Longhorns appear to be in a strong position heading into the 2026 season, with a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and high expectations from both the program and its passionate fan base. The team's progress during spring practice has Sarkisian and the Longhorns feeling optimistic about their chances of contending for a Big 12 title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.