AUSTIN, Texas — The traditional spring football game, a long-standing custom in college athletics, appears to be fading as major programs begin to reconsider its relevance. Recently, the University of Texas made headlines when head coach Steve Sarkisian declared that the annual Orange & White scrimmage would not take place this year. Sarkisian cited the physical toll of participating in 30 games over the previous two seasons, during which Texas made appearances in the College Football Playoff.
“We’re not having a spring game this year,” Sarkisian told Kay Adams during her show, “Up & Adams.” He emphasized the need to adopt new methods for player development while being mindful of the demanding schedules faced by college football teams. “With 21 high school recruits arriving this year, the approach to their development is different from what it used to be,” he added. “Considering our limited practice time, it might not be effective to just roll out the ball for a game.”
Ohio State, which overcame Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinals en route to winning the national title, has likewise opted for a spring showcase rather than the traditional scrimmage. Coach Ryan Day acknowledged shared concerns regarding the physical strains on players voiced by Sarkisian.
Meanwhile, Nebraska’s coach Matt Rhule stated that his program is likely foregoing a spring game to protect players from potential interest piqued by rival schools—especially regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) offers that are common in college football today. Similarly, Southern California is reportedly weighing the merits of canceling its own spring event.
However, not all programs are deviating from tradition. As of the latest updates, nearly half of the 68 Power Five schools have confirmed their dates for spring games. Formats vary widely; some schools favor classic scrimmages while others opt for skills challenges or fun events like autograph signings. Championship runner-up Notre Dame plans to conduct its traditional spring game, along with other well-known programs such as Alabama, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee.
This trend presents a dilemma for coaches who must balance fan engagement with the need to shield their rosters. Florida’s Billy Napier summarized the challenge succinctly: “I’m left with the choice between concerned coaches tampering with my players or a frustrated fan base upset over a lack of a spring game. It’s a tough pick.”
The concept of spring football practices dates back to 1889 when Harvard captain Arthur Cumnock initiated drills during March. By 1925, Michigan became the first to hold an open spring game, which would eventually evolve into a widespread tradition featuring either intrasquad scrimmages or games against alumni by the 1950s.
The popularity of spring games peaked during the 1990s, as many historic programs sold out stadiums and reaped significant financial benefits. Despite their ongoing appeal at certain institutions, others are pivoting away from these events due to concerns about smaller rosters and the possibility of player injuries. Consequently, some schools have transformed their spring activities into fan festivals or exclusive practices to engage top donors.
For instance, the University of Mississippi replaced its yearly “Grove Bowl” with a series of fan-friendly activities, including seven-on-seven flag football and competitions featuring competitive eaters. Additionally, BYU has shifted to hosting alumni games, while Minnesota has opted to discontinue its traditional spring contest since 2016, inviting contributors to an open practice instead. In a unique take, TCU held an event called “Frogapalooza,” emphasizing family enjoyment and musical entertainment.
These spring showcases have increasingly attracted attention from league networks eager to captivate fans. However, Texas’ decision to cancel its spring game may disrupt the SEC Network’s scheduling, particularly as the program transitioned its broadcasting to accommodate their new league affiliation last season.
“There are instances when schools choose not to conduct a spring game for various reasons,” noted SEC spokesman Chuck Dunlap. “Ultimately, it is the discretion of the institution.”
In summary, the landscape of spring football is evolving, as schools weigh the tradition of public scrimmages against modern concerns surrounding player welfare and recruitment.
