Are spring games dead?
Florida State might have an answer. We used to be a proper society. The spring game was worthy of calendar marking and anticipation with bated breath. It was a glimpse into the future, giving fans an idea of what was to come in the fall.
Last season, many big-time programs, including USC, Nebraska, and Texas, among others, did not hold a spring game. Florida State also did not participate in the festivities as Doak Campbell Stadium was under renovation, and there will be no spring game in 2026 as well, per the head coach Mike Norvell.
Change is constant across college football
Florida State not holding a spring game not only serves as a scheduling decision, but as a reminder that the sport is under constant change. There may be more value in protecting the roster than showcasing it. The spring game provided highlights and an avenue for unexpected players to showcase their abilities.
Now with the transfer portal, a spring game can be viewed as an unofficial scouting combine. The good news, though, is that there is only one transfer window now, so players cannot leave until January. With a team with as much turnover as the Noles, is there value in holding a spring game?
I would say yes. For a team with a quarterback battle, this seems to be an odd decision. Let's put these guys under scrutiny and pressure.
Protecting the roster is likely part of the equation
Protecting the roster is essential as building it. While fans are excited to figure out the depth charts, emerging players, and scheme updates, it is smart for teams not to show too much. Did not having a spring game help Florida State against Alabama to open the season last year?
We will never know, but it is something to consider. Without a spring game, does the expectations change? It is too early to tell, but could this decision lead to a healthier team going into the season? Injuries can still occur in a practice setting, but it makes sense that the likelihood of injuries increases when players are put into game situations. Reduced contact sounds smart heading into the season.
We will have to see how it plays out.
The Final Spear
Whether FSU is wrong for not having a spring game is a matter of subjectivity. In the NIL era, transparency can work against programs. Mike Norvell’s seat is warming, and a slow start may make fans second-guess him, yet again. I cannot help but feel that something is lost in the process, as the sport is changing so fast and often, it seems to be at the expense of the fans.
The spring game brought optimism, but now it seems this beloved tradition is becoming a thing of the past. Gone are access and fans being a part of the journey. If the new reality of modern college football is keeping strategy close to the vest and keeping personnel decisions as concealed as possible, the offseason is not just changing; it might already be dead.
For more Sports Analysis, Michael can be found on the Sports Reports as Ordered Podcast on YouTube/DSPs and at auhotry.com.