“I think by far that’s been the hardest thing for these young men, the uncertainty,” Texas head coach Tom Herman said. “(Big 12's decision) gave us a lot more hope than what was kind of floating around.”
As COVID-19 plagues Texas, top Austin officials say it's best for UT fans to watch games from home this football season. Sporting events are potential grounds for “superemitters,” defined by the Centers for Disease Control as individuals who release more particles than others and may contribute to “superspreader” events.
Numerous athletes have since taken a knee, sparking controversy. Many fans support Texas student-athletes in their choices to kneel, but other members of the Longhorn community hold different opinions about anthem protests.
Ford’s road to Austin wasn’t so clear-cut. Ford was the lowest-rated recruit for the Longhorns in the 2020 cycle despite his prolific career as a linebacker at Dallas-area powerhouse Frisco Lone Star High School. He may not have focused on his lack of recognition, but his mother, Youlonda Taylor, did.
The former Texas cornerback announced July 18 that he’d be stepping away from football to focus on his mental health. Boyce, a rising senior, said he’s struggled with depression for years. Now free from football, he’s already seen himself improve.
The Big 12 released its revised conference schedule Wednesday morning, confirming that Texas will play its annual matchup against Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The season is scheduled to kick off Sept. 26.
With less than five weeks until Texas’ football season is scheduled to kick off against South Florida on Sept. 5, the Big 12 conference answered one of the upcoming season’s biggest questions Monday night.
Friday’s practice marked Texas’ first full team practice since Dec. 29, two days before the Longhorns beat Utah in the 2019 Alamo Bowl. Texas was slated to begin spring football March 24 before the Big 12 postponed all games, practices and recruiting on March 12.
Each division must determine its ability to meet the requirements and whether their fall sports seasons and championships should occur by Aug. 21. Additionally, due to its concerns over the strong presence of COVID-19 throughout the country, the board said it will only support conducting fall championships if strict conditions are met.
