LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska spring football game, known for its impressive attendance and significant financial benefits, is likely to be discontinued due to head coach Matt Rhule’s concerns regarding player poaching from rival teams.
During a recent midwinter press conference, Rhule expressed that the concept of “tampering” has faded away, noting, “It’s just an absolute free open common market.” He articulated his worries that by showcasing players in a televised game, other programs could take advantage of the opportunity to scout and recruit standout talent. “I don’t want to open up to the outside world and have people watch our guys and say, ‘He looks like a pretty good player. Let’s go get him,’” Rhule elaborated.
The spring game has a rich history at Nebraska, drawing large crowds, including 60,452 attendees at last year’s event held at Memorial Stadium. This marked the fourth-largest turnout for any spring game in the nation, trailing only behind Ohio State, Alabama, and Penn State. Furthermore, last year’s game received national exposure, as it was broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
Rhule highlighted the challenges faced after the spring game when many offers flowed in for Nebraska players. “After that, I dealt with a lot of people offering our players a lot of opportunities,” he stated. He questioned the wisdom of bringing new recruits onto the field for a public display, suggesting that it might not be in the best interest of player retention. A stark reminder of the transfer market’s impact came when six Nebraska players entered the transfer portal shortly after last year’s spring showcase.
The upcoming spring portal period is set to close on April 25, just before the conclusion of Nebraska’s spring practices. However, it’s essential to note that players can transfer without going through the portal, as recently seen with Wisconsin safety Xavier Lucas transferring to Miami.
For Rhule, the potential for player transfers poses a more pressing concern than the likelihood of injuries occurring during a spring game. Last year’s event saw injuries to receiver Demitrius Bell and cornerback Blye Hill, who both missed the entire season. Rhule reassured fans that while a traditional spring game might not take place, there would still be opportunities for live tackling during practice scrimmages.
“As players are now being compensated, and with the introduction of new parameters, protecting the roster through this portal period has become paramount,” Rhule stated. Despite expressing skepticism about holding a typical spring game, he affirmed a desire to engage with fans and showcase his players in some manner. Nebraska’s athletic director, Troy Dannen, also mentioned on a recent radio show that an event is scheduled for April 26, which could feature football along with other fall sports.
