The Nebraska spring game is back - and it’s arriving earlier than ever.
After scrapping last year’s event, head coach Matt Rhule confirmed on Friday’s Sports Nightly that the Huskers will return to a more traditional spring game format in 2026. The twist? It’s happening in March, not April - a strategic shift that reflects how Rhule is recalibrating the program’s offseason approach.
“I want us to see where our team’s at,” Rhule said. “I want us to have a little bit more time if a guy gets injured, to have him back before the season.”
That’s not just coach-speak. It’s a calculated move rooted in how other programs - particularly in the South - have handled early spring practices in the past. While Nebraska’s colder climate presents its own challenges, Rhule is pushing forward with a plan to start spring ball in late February and wrap it up with a March 28 spring game.
This isn’t just about weather or scheduling. It’s about control - and timing.
Last year, Rhule canceled the spring game in part due to fears of roster poaching. With no spring transfer portal window this time around, that threat has been neutralized. That’s opened the door for Nebraska to bring back the event without worrying about players being lured away mid-development.
“Because of the portal and how many new players come in, we've moved our spring up,” Rhule explained. “Instead of the traditional late spring model, we're gonna get our guys in here - they started Monday, they're training. They're going to train for five or six weeks while we're on the road recruiting, and we're actually going to start spring ball in late February.”
That means three weeks of accelerated football work, all before the calendar even flips to April. It’s a bold shift, and it speaks to the urgency surrounding Rhule’s fourth year in Lincoln.
Let’s be honest - this isn’t just about tweaking the schedule. It’s about setting a tone.
Rhule knows the stakes are higher this season. Nebraska’s decision to move on from quarterback Dylan Raiola, combined with another offseason of coaching staff turnover, has raised eyebrows. And with the Big Ten’s new-look, more demanding schedule looming, there’s little margin for error.
So this early spring game isn’t just a showcase - it’s a checkpoint. A chance to evaluate, adjust, and build momentum before the grind of the regular season begins.
Last year, when Nebraska canceled its spring game, several other programs followed suit. Now that the Huskers are bringing it back - and moving it up - it’ll be worth watching to see if others follow again.
For now, Nebraska’s message is clear: no more waiting. The work starts now.