Spring games have gained immense popularity, as many fans relish the opportunity to watch organized football in April. Although these games have been televised in the past, there’s been a noticeable resurgence recently. For instance, Fox aired both Michigan and Ohio State’s spring games this past year, generating significant buzz. While the format is a diluted version of traditional football—where rosters compete against each other and quarterbacks are off-limits—the essence of the game remains intact.
With rules subject to change at the head coach’s discretion, the spring games serve crucial functions for college teams, despite their drawbacks, including notable injury risks. This is part of the reason why Nebraska’s Matt Rhule is contemplating the cancellation of his team’s spring game. While this might sound extreme, Rhule’s rationale offers valuable insights into his decision-making.
“I don’t know that yet,” Rhule commented about the spring game’s status, “but I’ll be honest with you, I highly doubt it. And I think it’s really fundamentally — I hate to say it like this — it’s really because last year we were one of the more televised spring games, and I dealt with a lot of people offering our players a lot of opportunities after that.” Nebraska’s spring game last year was well attended, having been aired on the Big Ten Network in 2024.
“So, to go out and bring in a bunch of new players and then showcase them for all the other schools to watch, that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me,” Rhule explained. “The word ‘tampering’ doesn’t exist anymore; it’s just absolute free open common market. And so, I don’t necessarily want to open up to the outside world. I don’t want these guys all being able to watch our guys and say, ‘Wow, he looks like a pretty good player; let’s go get him.’”
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule says he ‘highly doubts’ there will be a traditional spring game.
“The word tampering doesn’t exist anymore its just absolute free open common market…I don’t want these guys all being able to watch our guys.” #Huskers @KETV pic.twitter.com/lQsXHTgvUM
— Lauren Michelson (@LaurenMichelson) February 1, 2025
Despite his reservations, Rhule is still considering alternatives. “I don’t know anything,” he admits. “I just thought it was important that we start to broach that subject of it not being televised. But at the same time, I do want to show off our players in some way. What exactly it’ll be, yet, I mean, I haven’t worried about anything other than recruiting right now — both the [transfer] portal and into the ’26 class. So, now, I have to turn my attention to all those things.” Last year, Nebraska’s spring game took place on April 27, 2024, after which six players entered the transfer portal, including Chief Borders (Pitt), Corey Collier (Florida A&M), Jeff Sims (Arizona State), and Ru’Quan Buckley (Michigan State).
While a spring game cancellation may disappoint fans, Rhule’s reluctance to showcase his team again is entirely understandable. The extensive television coverage and easy access to these games magnify the threat of opponents scouting their players, something Rhule is clearly eager to prevent.
