Spring football games have long been a staple for college programs, offering fans a sneak peek at emerging talent and providing players with a taste of game-day energy. But recent years have seen a shift, with some programs opting out of these traditional showcases. The transfer portal and NIL have played significant roles in this evolution, turning these games into scouting opportunities for rival programs.
Lane Kiffin, during his time at Ole Miss, was candid about the changing landscape. After a spring event in 2024 that featured everything but full-contact football, Kiffin highlighted the issue of spring games becoming scouting combines for opponents. By 2025, Ole Miss was one of eight SEC teams to skip the traditional spring scrimmage altogether.
Texas Longhorns' head coach Steve Sarkisian, a friend of Kiffin, had different concerns. With a roster full of freshmen adjusting to college life, Sarkisian chose to protect his players from premature judgments. He wanted to focus on player development without the added pressure of public scrutiny.
However, the landscape is shifting again. With the NCAA altering transfer portal rules, the Texas Longhorns have announced a return to the traditional spring game format this year. Set for April 18, it marks a renewed commitment to the tradition, now that the threat of immediate transfers post-spring practice has diminished.
Oklahoma is also reversing course. After their "Crimson Combine" in 2025, they'll host a traditional spring game in 2026. Nebraska follows suit, reinstating their spring scrimmage after a hiatus.
The SEC is seeing a resurgence in spring games too. From eight programs hosting games in 2025, the number has jumped to twelve for 2026.
Arkansas and Missouri had logistical reasons for opting out last year, but many others are back on board. Missouri and South Carolina remain exceptions, with Missouri citing ongoing stadium renovations.
Yet, not everyone is embracing the return to tradition. USC's Lincoln Riley and Florida State's Mike Norvell are among those holding firm against public spring games. Norvell, wary of revealing too much to future opponents, opts for closed scrimmages to focus on team development.
As college football continues to navigate these changes, programs are finding new ways to balance tradition with the evolving dynamics of the sport. The decisions surrounding spring games reflect broader strategic considerations, as coaches weigh the benefits of public exposure against the need for privacy and development.