The spring game is a beloved tradition for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, similar to other elite programs across the nation, as it allows fans to witness a live scrimmage following spring practice. However, it appears that Nebraska may cancel their spring game this year. During a recent press conference, head coach Matt Rhule revealed that this decision stems from concerns over other teams attempting to entice his players to enter the transfer portal.
“The word ‘tampering’ doesn’t exist anymore,” Rhule stated at his midwinter news conference according to ESPN. “It’s just an absolute free open common market. I don’t necessarily 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 explained that showcasing his roster to other programs could lead to unwanted interest in his players, making it seem “not to make a lot of sense.”
“I dealt with a lot of people offering our players a lot of opportunities after that,” Rhule continued. “So you go out and bring in a bunch of new players and showcase them for all the other schools to watch? Doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.” He emphasized that his main goal is to protect the roster and retain his best talent, particularly in the evolving landscape of college athletics where players are being compensated, adding a new layer of complexity to roster management.
“Guys are being compensated now, and you’re putting money behind some people, a whole other set of parameters,” Rhule concluded. “Yet at the same time, you have to get good. Honestly, to me, it’s about protecting the roster and navigating that portal period.” It’s certainly an intriguing strategy from Rhule, and it will be interesting to see if other teams choose to adopt a similar approach.
