In a notable shift within college football, a growing number of programs are opting to cancel their spring games, with Auburn University being the latest to make that call. The Tigers, under the guidance of coach Hugh Freeze, join over a dozen other schools—such as Michigan State, USC, and Oklahoma—in this decision.
Entering his third season at Auburn, Freeze is looking to rebound from a challenging 2024 campaign that ended with a 5-7 record. While his inaugural season in 2023 saw Auburn make it to a bowl game, expectations are high this year. Fans are eager to see the Tigers thrive as Freeze seeks not only to put wins on the board but to restore a sense of tradition and pride in the program.
Instead of a traditional spring game, Auburn will host a public practice session. This change offers fans the chance to engage with the team through an autograph session with players, providing a glimpse into the upcoming season as they take the field.
So, what’s behind this growing trend of canceled spring games? A variety of factors seem to be at play. For Nebraska, the decision stemmed from concerns regarding potential tampering with players by other teams—an issue that many schools are grappling with in the current landscape of college football.
On the other hand, Auburn is among the few that continues to allow public access during practice. Schools like Boston College have opted for a different approach, closing practices but organizing public scrimmages instead. Michigan State’s reasoning has been somewhat more elusive, with the coaching staff expressing a desire to maximize the benefits of all 15 spring practices. Coach Jonathan Smith emphasized, “There were multiple factors in not having a spring game, but we really want to take advantage of all 15 of our spring practices; I think this is the best way we can do it.”
The absence of a spring game might leave some Auburn fans feeling a bit dissatisfied, especially with the high hopes surrounding the Tigers this upcoming season. For Freeze, who has yet to achieve a seven-win season since his appointment, this year holds particular significance.
Aside from football strategy in regard to game preparations, Freeze is currently navigating personal challenges, having recently been diagnosed with cancer. The prognosis is encouraging, as it was detected early, and doctors have reported it to be very treatable and curable. As he continues his coaching responsibilities while undergoing treatment, the Auburn community is rallying behind him in support.
Looking ahead, Auburn is branding their reworked spring event as “A-Day,” scheduled for April 12. The excitement builds as the Tigers prepare to open their season on August 29 against Baylor, a critical matchup for a team eager to turn the corner and reclaim its place among college football’s elite.
