Springtime in college football is evolving, reflecting a shake-up in traditional practices as schools seek to reimagine the annual spring game format. Programs like Colorado and Syracuse are leading the charge by implementing competitive elements into their spring exhibitions, opting to have separate teams practice and face off against each other.
Oklahoma State’s head coach, Mike Gundy, is getting into the mix as well, suggesting a revival of the iconic Bedlam football rivalry against Oklahoma in the spring months. Gundy believes that introducing competitive practices during this time not only enhances training but could also attract fan interest and generate revenue.
“That’s something we’ve talked about,” Gundy remarked when discussing the potential of spring matchups. “I think it’s a great idea. Honestly, for us, we should do a home-and-home with OU in the spring. They should come here on the 19th. I think theirs is earlier in the year. We should go down there and play a home-and-home against each other in the spring.”
The financial side of this suggestion could also benefit both programs. Gundy proposes charging fans a reasonable $25 a head, allowing the schools to funnel the gathered revenue into their respective player compensation plans, aligning with the evolving landscape of college athletics where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) considerations are paramount.
“If they don’t want to do two in one spring, we can do one here this year, do it there next year, and split the gate,” Gundy emphasized. “Because we get tired of practicing against each other.” This sentiment mirrors a similar opinion expressed by Deion Sanders at Colorado, who envisions his team facing off against another institution in an NFL-style joint practice leading into a competitive exhibition.
Among fans in Oklahoma, Gundy’s proposal could resonate, particularly with those who lament the end of the Bedlam rivalry, which saw its last game take place as Oklahoma transitioned to the SEC. This rivalry has deep roots dating back to 1904, and while Oklahoma holds a significant advantage in the all-time series at 91-20-7, the competition has heated up in recent years, with Oklahoma State winning two of their last three encounters, including a thrilling 27-24 victory in their final matchup in 2024.
However, Gundy is tempered in his expectations of what a spring game would look like, recognizing the need to dial down the intensity typically associated with these historic clashes. “It’s not going to be a live game,” he clarified, acknowledging the need for caution regarding player safety. “I don’t know what Coach Venables would say, but I would be concerned with making it live, just because of injury. But nobody really has live scrimmages anymore, so you make it a full thud, like we’re doing, and practice against each other. Just like the NFL.”
Currently, NCAA bylaws restrict teams from engaging in competitive practices and games against each other during the spring practice window. However, with Colorado and Syracuse having taken the initiative to submit proposals to the NCAA for rule revisions, there may be a shift on the horizon. The question remains whether Oklahoma and Oklahoma State would be willing to embrace this new spring tradition.
As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, the potential for innovative spring matchups opens intriguing possibilities for teams, players, and fans alike. Will the Bedlam rivalry find a new life in the spring? Only time will tell.
