COLUMBUS, OH – The traditional spring game, a staple of college football’s offseason, is becoming a thing of the past for some programs

COLUMBUS, OH – The traditional spring game, a staple of college football’s offseason, is becoming a thing of the past for some programs.

Ohio State and Nebraska are among the teams that have opted to forego the traditional spring game format, instead choosing to focus on more intimate, practice-like settings.

 

The decision to eschew the traditional spring game is part of a larger trend in college football, as programs look for ways to adapt to the changing landscape of the sport. With the rise of the transfer portal, the increased emphasis on player safety, and the growing importance of recruiting, teams are re-evaluating the way they approach the offseason.

 

“We’re trying to be more efficient with our time and resources,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “We’re focusing on getting our players the best possible coaching and development, and we feel like this format allows us to do that.”

 

Instead of a traditional spring game, Ohio State will hold a series of practices that are open to the public. The practices will be more low-key than a traditional spring game, with a focus on individual drills and team work.

 

Nebraska, meanwhile, has opted to hold a “spring showcase” that will feature a series of drills and competitions. The event will be more focused on fan engagement than a traditional spring game, with activities such as autograph sessions and a fan fest.

 

“We’re excited to try something new and different,” said Nebraska head coach Scott Frost. “We think this format will allow us to connect with our fans in a more meaningful way, while also giving our players the opportunity to develop and improve.”

 

The decision to forego traditional spring games is not unique to Ohio State and Nebraska. Several other programs, including Michigan and Penn State, have also opted for more low-key formats.

 

The trend is likely to continue, as programs look for ways to adapt to the changing landscape of college football. With the rise of the transfer portal, the increased emphasis on player safety, and the growing importance of recruiting, teams are re-evaluating the way they approach the offseason.

 

“It’s a different world now,” said Day. “We’re trying to stay ahead of the curve and be proactive in terms of how we approach the offseason. We think this format will allow us to do that.”

 

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, it’s likely that the traditional spring game will become a thing of the past. Instead, programs will focus on more intimate, practice-like settings that allow for better player development and fan engagement.

 

“It’s a new era in college football,” said Frost. “We’re excited to be a part of it and to see where it takes us.”

 

_Ohio State’s Spring Practice Schedule:_

 

– March 5: First practice

– March 12: Second practice

– March 19: Third practice

– March 26: Fourth practice

– April 2: Fifth practice

– April 9: Sixth practice

– April 16: Seventh practice

– April 23: Eighth practice

– April 30: Ninth practice

 

_Nebraska’s Spring Showcase:_

 

– April 17: Spring showcase event

– 1:00 PM CT: Gates open

– 2:00 PM CT: Spring showcase begins

– 4:00 PM CT: Autograph session

– 5:00 PM CT: Fan fest

 

_College Football’s Changing Offseason:_

 

– The rise of the transfer portal has changed the way programs approach the offseason.

– The increased emphasis on player safety has led to a reduction in the number of contact practices.

– The growing importance of recruiting has led to a greater focus on showcasing programs to potential recruits.