The Nebraska spring game is something almost every Husker Football fan looks forward too come April/May. In fact, the game (which is really a glorified scrimmage) usually nearly sells out Memorial Stadium every year.
This week Nebraska AD Troy Dannen mentioned that a spring game, as we know it, is unlikely to happen. Killing a tradition like this? Some would demand to know why – especially with the revenue it brings in (about 1 million annually).
It turns out most of this is out of Dannen’s hands. Changes over the last couple years to college football are coming to a head -NIL, and now revenue sharing and roster limits. Gone will be the days of 150 plus on Nebraska’s roster. By summer, that number will be 105. Also, many of Nebraska’s starters (especially the new additions from the transfer portal) command big NIL numbers. Those players (and the university) don’t want them to get a season ending injury in a fake game in the spring. Keep in mind, if a player gets a season ending injury in the spring game, the Huskers are still paying that deal, even if that player never gets a real life rep.
So, it begs the question, what will spring ball look like? Well, the Huskers did a sort of open practice in the fall to boost the NIL collective. It didn’t sell anywhere near as many tickets. And that’s where the magic will need to happen. Nebraska can’t just turn its back on 1 million dollars in spring revenue. Troy Dannen and Head Coach Matt Rhule will need to find a way to do something in the spring to showcase the team, sell out the stadium, and protect the starters from injury. Easier said than done. Maybe an open practice in conjunction with a concert? Autograph signings? It’ll take creativity for sure.
We will have to wait and see what they come up with. Personally, I’m disappointed with the news, but I also get it from an athletics department standpoint.