Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is pushing for a major change to the traditional spring game format. Sanders wants the Buffaloes to face another team rather than conducting the usual intra-squad scrimmage.
“We got to sell this thing out and pack this thing because the way the trend is going, you never know if this is going to be the last spring game,” Sanders said. “I don’t believe in that. I don’t really want to condone that. I would like to play in the spring. Actually, I (would) like to play against another team in the spring. That’s what I’m trying to do right now.”
Current NCAA rules prohibit FBS programs from competing against other schools during spring practice periods.
Sanders explained his reasoning for wanting the change: “To have a competitive (game) against your own guys kind of gets monotonous. You really can’t tell the level of your guys because, you know, it’s the same old, same way. Everybody kind of know each other. Towards the end, I would like to style it like the pros. I would like to practice against someone for a few days, then you have the spring game and I think the public will be satisfied with that tremendously. I think it’s a tremendous idea. I’ve told those personnel who should understand that it’s a tremendous idea.”
During a team meeting Friday, Sanders suggested his vision might become reality. In video captured by his son, Deion Jr., Sanders expressed frustration with his team’s recent practice effort while hinting at developments.
“We got these coaches busting their butts to try to get you in a spring game against somebody else, and you’re going to go out here and give us some bulljunk,” Sanders told his players. “Why would we want to work to put you on a national spotlight, a national showcase, on national television, national notoriety, and you don’t want to work?”
Sanders continued: “You going to look like a fool on national television, because that thing’s getting close, right?” he said, pointing to Reggie Calhoun Jr., Colorado’s director of football NIL and revenue sharing.
“This thing may very well happen. We may very well have spring practices and a spring game against another opponent. It may very well happen. It’s looking really good right now. Really good. Whatcha y’all going to do about it?”
Colorado and Syracuse have reportedly filed paperwork for both joint practices and a spring game, according to Syracuse writer Javon Edmonds.
Sanders’ approach stands in stark contrast to programs like Ohio State, Texas, and USC, which have canceled their spring games entirely.
Syracuse head coach Fran Brown appears on board with the plan, stating he would bring his team to Boulder for three days to practice and scrimmage against the Buffaloes.
If the NCAA approves this request, it would establish a new precedent that could reshape spring football across the country.
Colorado’s spring game will be televised on ESPN2 on April 19.
