Nebraska Cancels Spring Game Amid Tampering Concerns

Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule announced that the team's traditional spring game is likely to be canceled in the future due to concerns about player tampering from rival schools. Rhule described the current college football landscape as an 'absolute free open common market', where he worries about showcasing players who may then be targeted by other teams. The spring game, which drew over 60,000 fans last year and was a major revenue source, has seen players enter the transfer portal shortly after the event, leading to Rhule's apprehension. He emphasized that protecting the roster during the transfer portal period is more critical than the risk of injuries in a spring game. While Rhule noted that there may still be some form of spring practice scrimmage, he expressed doubt it would resemble the traditional format, especially with no broadcasting planned. The decision reflects a broader trend in college football as programs reassess their strategies amidst evolving transfer rules.