Mon Feb 03 00:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Nebraska May Scrap Spring Game Tradition Due to Transfer Portal Concerns

**Lincoln, NE** – Nebraska’s decades-long tradition of a highly-anticipated spring football game is in jeopardy, with head coach Matt Rhule citing concerns over the transfer portal as the primary reason. Rhule expressed strong doubts about holding the annual scrimmage on April 26th, stating that showcasing his players to rival schools only facilitates tampering and increases the risk of losing players to the open transfer market.

“I highly doubt it,” Rhule said regarding the spring game. “We were one of the more televised spring games last year, and I dealt with a lot of people offering our players opportunities afterward. It doesn’t make sense to showcase our players for other schools to recruit.”

The decision marks a significant shift for the Huskers, whose spring game is typically a major event drawing large crowds to Memorial Stadium. The game holds a special place in Nebraska football history, famously featuring the heartwarming touchdown run of young Jack Hoffman several years ago.

Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen hinted at a change earlier this week, suggesting an athlete “celebration” would replace the traditional game. Rhule’s comments confirm this shift, reflecting a growing concern among coaches nationwide about the impact of the transfer portal on spring practices. The move could set a precedent, with other programs potentially following suit to protect their players from increased recruiting attention during the spring transfer window.

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