USC, Texas shift away from spring football games amid college football changes

In a shift reflecting changes in college football, both Texas and USC will forgo traditional spring games this year. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian emphasized the need for a more NFL-like approach, focusing on organized team activities rather than a scrimmage, particularly given the team's extensive player roster and recent game load. Similarly, USC will replace its spring game with a fan appreciation event and closed practices, aiming to mitigate concerns about player tampering amid the NCAA Transfer Portal's impact. Nebraska's head coach Matt Rhule also highlighted tampering issues, suggesting he may cancel the spring game for similar reasons, as programs increasingly seek to attract players from rival schools. This trend underscores a broader evolution in college football as teams adapt to the changing landscape of player recruitment and retention. Coaches are prioritizing player development over public showcases in this new era.