Texas has trimmed its scholarship roster from 85 to 65 players as transfers and NFL-draft opt-outs pile up, according to head coach Steve Sarkisian on Friday.
Roster Reduction and Bowl Preparations
The Longhorns began installing the game plan for the Michigan Wolverines on Friday and will leave for Orlando on Dec. 26 to prepare for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31.
New Coaching Staff Arrivals
Two new coaching hires will accompany the team to the bowl. Running backs coach Jabbar Juluke will work on the sidelines, while defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will observe. Linebackers coach Johnny Nansen will call defensive plays in relief of Pete Kwiatkowski, who was fired Thursday.
Coaching Dynamics
Sarkisian said it would not be fair to Muschamp to call someone else’s defensive scheme, but he is excited about working with him. “I love Will’s level of intensity, his passion and the demanding nature with which he coaches,” Sarkisian said. “But on the same token, I love the love that he gets from his players, the connections that he gets. If you talk to anyone who has played for him, they talk about all of that. They talk about who he is as a person.”
Muschamp grants Sarkisian autonomy on defense, allowing a hands-off approach while Sarkisian focuses on offense with Arch Manning and other offensive coaches. “When we call a timeout, I don’t always have to be on the defensive headset every single play,” Sarkisian explained. “I can spend a little more time focusing on offensive football. I can go be with Arch, Coach Milwee, Coach Flood … and allow him to be with the defensive players and make those calls. There’s a level to it that’s hard to see looking through the window, but once you get under the hood, you can see it.”
Calendar Constraints
The roster reduction is not unique to Texas; teams outside the College Football Playoff with bowl games face similar challenges due to the current calendar. The transfer portal opens Jan. 2, and players planning to move must forego bowl participation.
Key Takeaways
- Texas roster cut from 85 to 65 scholarship players.
- New coaches Jabbar Juluke and Will Muschamp join bowl trip with distinct roles.
- Sarkisian will focus on offense while Muschamp leads defense.
The Longhorns prepare for a challenging bowl matchup while navigating roster changes and coaching adjustments, aiming to finish the season strong.
