Spring football games are finally making a return to college campuses across the country. The disappearance of the spring transfer portal window has opened the door for this revival, letting fans enjoy a classic tradition again.
In recent years, coaches worried that rivals might use televised spring games for scouting. That concern led to fewer of these events. But now, with the NCAA removing the second transfer portal window, schools are jumping at the chance to bring back spring games.
The Revival of Spring Football Games
For college football fans, the return of spring games is a big deal. These games, which had almost vanished, are finding their way back onto calendars.
The main reason they faded? Coaches feared rival staffs would use the broadcasts to scout. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, for example, scrapped the game last year for that exact reason. Now, with the second transfer portal window gone, that worry has eased up.
Why the Change?
The NCAA’s move to eliminate the second transfer portal window has really shaken things up. There’s no longer a mid-April window for players to jump into the portal, which used to overlap with the end of spring practices for most teams.
Because of this shift, coaches don’t have to stress about losing players right after spring practice. That little tweak in timing? It’s made it possible for teams to revisit the idea of holding traditional spring games.
Schools Embracing the Tradition
Several FBS programs are bringing back their spring football games this year. Nebraska, Auburn, UConn, North Texas, and San Diego State are all in.
Each school has its own reasons—some are dealing with coaching changes, others just want to reconnect with their fans and campus communities.
Nebraska’s Return to Tradition
Nebraska is really leading the way here. Coach Matt Rhule sounds genuinely thrilled about the spring game’s return, calling it important for both fans and the program.
Nebraska’s game is set for March 28, which is pretty early compared to most schools. Most teams don’t wrap up spring practice until April, so Nebraska’s jumping ahead.
Other Schools Following Suit
Auburn, UConn, and North Texas are also bringing back spring games, and a lot of that has to do with new coaching staffs. These coaches seem to prefer the old-school approach—going back to when spring games were just part of the offseason routine.
San Diego State, which used to do skills competitions instead, is switching it up this year. They’ll host an Offense vs. Defense spring game on May 2.
The Evolution of Spring Football Events
Over the past few years, a lot of schools ditched traditional spring games for other events. Some tried skills competitions, others opened up practices and added a bit of scrimmaging, or even borrowed ideas from the NFL’s Pro Bowl Games.
But with the transfer portal window gone, schools are feeling more comfortable going back to the classic spring football game format. There’s something about that tradition that just feels right, isn’t there?
Balancing Act for Coaches
The return of spring football games is exciting, but it’s not all fun and games for coaches. They’ve got to get their teams ready while also keeping players healthy.
Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell put it pretty well—practicing physically is important, but so is protecting key players from injuries that could ruin a season. It’s a tricky balance, and honestly, who can blame coaches for worrying a bit?
Looking Ahead
The return of spring football games is a pretty big deal for college football. With the NCAA scrapping the second transfer portal window, schools finally get a shot to bring back a tradition fans have missed.
People can look forward to the buzz of spring games again. Coaches, for once, can prep their teams without constantly worrying about players jumping ship right after practice wraps up.
If you’re curious and want more details, check out the full article over at the Altoona Mirror website.
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