Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy isn’t shy about voicing his opinions, especially when it comes to the NCAA and its latest rulings. Recently, college football’s governing body turned down Colorado’s request to hold joint spring practices and a scrimmage against Syracuse. The denial raised eyebrows and sparked discussions among coaches, especially Gundy, who had similar plans in mind with former Big 12 rival Oklahoma.
The NCAA cited a few reasons for its decision, including the timing of the request, concerns about gaining a “recruiting advantage,” and potential academic impacts on the players involved. While the organization mentioned a willingness to entertain the idea for future seasons, for now, the ruling stands firm: no joint practices this spring.
Gundy expressed his disappointment openly, underscoring his belief that such practices could greatly benefit his team. “I mean I mentioned it the other day, I just thought of the deal with OU,” Gundy stated. “I think it’s a good deal. I would like to do it. I would like to practice against them.”
His frustration with the NCAA’s limitations on spring practices is palpable. “I’ll be honest with you, I’m not going to waste my time on who’s going to determine what the rules are anymore,” he said. “Because essentially there’s not really enough of them to follow. And I’m not sure how they have grounds to say you can’t do it. Like if somebody just goes and does it, what are they going to do to them?”
Gundy’s stance reflects a broader sentiment among coaches, many of whom are questioning the NCAA’s authority in light of the evolving landscape of college football. The era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements and the expanding transfer portal have changed the game significantly—shifting the focus and priorities of programs across the nation. With traditional spring games already in flux—take Nebraska’s decision to halt its exhibitions as a prime example—many in the coaching ranks are eager for a dialogue about what practices and competitions can look like going forward.
The future of collegiate football practices may hinge on the willingness of these organizations to adapt, but for Gundy and his peers, the need for innovative approaches like joint practices is more pressing than ever.
