Amid rumors that Nebraska football’s spring game had been canceled, it’s now officially confirmed.
While the decision has sparked some debate, Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule has a practical rationale behind it, which he explained in greater detail on the Triple Option Show.
“When you think about the risk/reward when we’re paying players already,” Rhule began. “Then with the portal kind of in the Spring with some guys who graduated. I was watching those FCS playoffs. I was watching Montana State and a guy made a big block… I’m like who is that?… They’re like he’s already going here, he’s going here.”
Rhule’s concern is rooted in the idea that spring games can unintentionally expose players to other programs looking to lure them away. He continued, emphasizing the lack of contract protection for players…
“It’s just you’re showcasing your players, So with no contracts, the day we get contracts and the day we get some rules I’ll back off. But I saw firsthand last year how much it put us at risk and I’m not really willing to do that. I think we keep as many guys as we can for the Fall.”
Rhule’s point is a valid one. Spring games offer an open platform for players to showcase their skills, but in the current landscape, where players can enter the transfer portal at any time, it can be a double-edged sword.
Programs, including Nebraska, have to be more cautious about how they display their talent, fearing potential poaching by rival schools.
Rhule’s concerns aren’t limited to just Nebraska football. He advocates for broader changes in the college football world, especially surrounding NIL regulations.
In fact, Nebraska is far from alone in opting out of their spring game this year. Several other major programs have decided to do the same, in part due to the unpredictable dynamics surrounding the transfer portal and NIL.
The rapid growth of NIL deals, along with the constant movement of players through the transfer portal, has created a situation where top-tier programs can often offer financial incentives that smaller schools cannot match.
This, in turn, increases the risk of losing key players to other programs that may have more attractive NIL opportunities.
Rhule pointed to Nebraska’s own situation, with star quarterback Dylan Raiola, as a prime example.
Rhule doesn’t want to worry about other programs trying to lure Raiola away with an insane NIL deal if he has a monster performance in a spring game.
In the face of these challenges, Rhule remains focused on the long-term success of the Cornhuskers.
Despite a 7-6 season in 2024, which included a Pinstripe Bowl victory over Boston College, Nebraska has ambitious goals for the future.
With Rhule at the helm, the team is working to navigate the evolving landscape of college football, making strategic decisions to protect the program and keep it as competitive as can be.
What are your thoughts on Rhule’s comments and the whole issue of spring game cancellations as a whole???
