Spring games have been all the rage this offseason in college football — meaning the thought of doing a spring game has given multiple head coaches fits of rage.
Why is that, you ask?
Well, it’s simple, albeit a bit conspiratorial.
Spring games used to be a time for college programs to do something fun for the fans while getting younger players on the roster the chance to compete in a simulated game environment while potentially making a name for themselves.
Spring games still provide that very same opportunity, mind you, but in the world of NIL and transfer portal availability many coaches are starting to see it as a way to showcase the depth on their roster to rival recruits who may try to poach their players.
Again, it’s a bit conspiratorial, but it makes sense. That’s why big-time schools like Ohio State, Texas and USC have cancelled their spring games this year.
Georgia is a big-time program that is planning on moving forward with its spring day — known as G-Day — but interestingly enough, head coach Kirby Smart isn’t ruling out changes in the future.
“Everybody has different approaches. My approach has been, I like to have spring football games,” Smart said on Tuesday, according to Alex Byington of On3. “But every year we make that decision based on where we are. We haven’t even practiced yet. So, I’d be remiss if I said, ‘100% I’m dead-set we’re having a spring game.’ I leave every option open. That’s our 15th practice, so we can do what we want to do. We’re planning to have a spring game.”
