LSU Cancels 2025 Spring Football Game for Open Practice

LSU football has decided to cancel its traditional spring game in 2025, opting instead for an open practice followed by an autograph session for fans on April 12. Coach Brian Kelly explained that the change aims to provide players, especially young ones, more opportunities to practice and get evaluated, as traditional games can limit reps and create unfavorable matchups. This decision aligns with a broader trend in college football where teams are modifying or canceling spring games due to concerns about player tampering through the transfer portal. Other programs, like Texas and Alabama, have also altered their spring game formats for similar reasons, emphasizing the need to protect their players from rival interest. The free event at Tiger Stadium will allow fans to engage with players while maintaining a focus on practice over performance. Kelly's decision reflects a strategic shift in how spring practices are conducted across college football in the evolving landscape of the sport.