Bevo’s Daily Roundup: Despite loosening some restrictions, in-person activities remain suspended through May, Big 12 officials say

On Sunday, Big 12 officials announced they were opting to loosen some of its restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak. In-person team activities remain suspended through May.

From the Austin American-Statesman: “The [Big 12] will allow two hours of “virtual” contact or group team activities a week. That includes film study, technical discussions and tactical sessions. The league will allow coaches to give written workout recommendations. Schools also can provide apparel and some conditioning equipment, like bands and foam rollers. Schools also may provide athletes academic support, sports medicine and physical therapy treatments.”

WHAT THE WISE MEN ARE SAYING ABOUT THE LONGHORNS

Austin American-Statesman: The Dotted Line: The Fab 55’s top 10 opens with future Longhorns Jalen Milroe, Billy Bowman

Austin American-Statesman: His future now certain, Texas coach Shaka Smart can plow headfirst into the offseason

Austin American-Statesman: Bohls: Is Shaka Smart settling in – or is Texas just settling?

Austin American-Statesman: Bohls: Texas swimmers Conger, Haas take Olympic delay in stride

Austin American-Statesman: With Texas football on hold, Tom and Michelle Herman find new normal in coronavirus stoppage

Sports Illustrated: Did Texas make the right call keeping Shaka Smart?

Sports Illustrated: Could college football be headed for a shortened summer season?

247Sports: The Stampede: QB dominoes and the 10 most wanted prospects

247Sports: How much time colleges need to safely prepare for a season

USA Today: Who are the highest-paid Longhorns in the NFL?

NEWS FROM ELSEWHERE IN LONGHORN LAND AND THE BIG 12

• Sporting News released its preseason top 25 football rankings. Coming in at No. 13 are the Texas Longhorns. From Sporting News: “The defense will be improved around linebacker Joseph Ossai, who had 13.5 tackles for loss in 2019. It comes down to winning those close games: The Longhorns have six losses of seven points or fewer the last two seasons. The Sept. 12 trip to LSU will come with the same hype as it did in 2019. Will Texas live up to it?”

• Texas alum Collin Johnson is a monster of a receiver. For reminder’s sake, here’s a highlight:

• Texas quarterback-turned-running back Roschon Johnson is progressing at his new(-ish) position. See for yourself:

• The SEC is moving towards allowing virtual team meetings after conference officials approved video conferencing between coaches and players. From Sports Illustrated: “The new rules go into effect Monday and will allow coaches to meet with players via programs like Zoom and Facetime. The Big 12 has yet to address the issue, though most now believe that the conference will follow suit and allow virtual meetings between players and coaches as soon as this week. This time of year football programs would normally be ramping up spring practices, a short window of opportunity to get players on-field instruction with the coaching staff, but all sports activities have been suspended as a result of control measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Though a few programs are holding out hope for some form of spring practice, most have conceded they will not get spring workouts in before the end of the semester. The new rules won’t replace the kind of on-field instruction and workouts players would have received with a live coaching staff but should blunt some of the impact expected from a lack of spring ball this year.”

• Last week, we noted how Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger launched a GoFundMe for those affected by the pandemic. As of this morning, the campaign has totaled around $40,000.