Changes to spring football offer programs a chance to reinvent themselves, and Oklahoma is taking a bold step in this direction. The university’s decision to host the “Crimson Combine” instead of a traditional spring game reflects a growing trend among major football programs. Many institutions are now hesitant to risk their substantial investments in players, which can amount to millions of dollars, by exposing them to potential injuries or poaching from rival teams.
“This is a brand-new spring football tradition for our fans,” stated Joe Castiglione, the athletics director at Oklahoma. “The Crimson Combine will spotlight our players while also giving our fans the ability to get closer to the action and engage directly with our team and coaching staff. We’re planning some unique activities that will highlight our players and provide high entertainment value for everyone in attendance.”
While some may enjoy watching a parent run a 40-yard dash against a player like Deion Burks, the essence of spring football appears to be shifting. Programs such as Nebraska, USC, Texas, Florida State, and Oklahoma have opted out of hosting public practices for various reasons. Huskers coach Matt Rhule openly criticized the tradition, suggesting that showcasing new players only serves to benefit rival teams in the name, image, and likeness era.
“To go out and bring in a bunch of new players and showcase them for all the other schools to watch, that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me,” Rhule remarked.
Rhule raises a valid point. While spring football has historically provided a platform for some players to gain recognition, this is not the case for everyone. Many programs intentionally limit their spring games to showcase only the most basic aspects of their talent and playbook. Some coaches even believe that if opponents can decipher anything beyond the fundamental strategies, they have revealed too much of their game plan. The scoring often appears contrived, with the offense and defense competing for misleading points and questionable tackles.
In fact, some spring games resemble flag football more than traditional contact sports. Yet, for many players and fans, the spring game has always held a deeper significance.
Former Oklahoma star Gerald McCoy, who might have opted to sit out a spring game to avoid injury, expressed his disappointment with the cancellation of the traditional spring game in favor of a fan appreciation event.
“So no spring game? Just a showcase?” McCoy tweeted. “No opportunity for young guys to perform in front of fans? What about the guys who may never see the field in a real game getting reps in front of a crowd? Aight I guess. Love y’all. Always a Sooner but count me out on this one. Guess I’m officially an old head now.”
Indeed, McCoy’s sentiments resonate. Many fans, particularly younger ones, cherish the chance to witness their heroes in action, even if it is in a less formal setting. The opportunity for a child to meet a player like John Mateer or for a teenager to connect with Brent Venables could foster a lasting love for the game.
The business side of college football is undeniably influencing these changes. Coaches and administrators, often risk-averse, are wary of allowing players to engage in full-contact practices during the spring. However, this shift also presents an opportunity for programs to connect with their fan base in new and meaningful ways, potentially cultivating a new generation of loyal supporters.
