Should LSU football suspend its spring games like the Texas Longhorns and USC Trojans did?

by

​In recent developments within college football, prominent programs such as the Texas Longhorns and USC Trojans have opted to forgo their traditional spring games in 2025. This decision has sparked discussions about the necessity and benefits of spring games, especially concerning player well-being and strategic considerations. As LSU prepares for its upcoming season, it’s pertinent to evaluate whether the Tigers should follow suit and suspend their spring game.​

The Rationale Behind Canceling Spring Games

The primary motivations for programs like Texas and USC to cancel their spring games revolve around player health and the evolving landscape of college football.​

  1. Player Wear and Tear: Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian highlighted concerns about the physical toll on players after consecutive extended seasons. The Longhorns participated in 16 games during the 2024 season, culminating in a semifinal loss in the Cotton Bowl. Sarkisian emphasized the need to adapt to the changing dynamics of college football, stating, “College football is changing right now, and we need to do a great job as coaches of adapting.” ​

  2. Preventing Player Poaching: Nebraska’s head coach, Matt Rhule, expressed concerns about showcasing players during spring games, which could inadvertently attract attention from other programs looking to poach talent. This sentiment reflects a growing apprehension among coaches about maintaining roster integrity in an era where player movement is more fluid. ​

  3. Evolving Training Philosophies: Sarkisian also mentioned a shift towards a more NFL-oriented approach to offseason training, focusing on organized team activities (OTAs) rather than traditional spring games. This method aims to prioritize player development and health over public scrimmages. ​

LSU’s Current Spring Game Plans

As of now, LSU has scheduled its National L Club Spring Game for April 12, 2025, inside Tiger Stadium. The program has not indicated any intentions to cancel or modify this event. ​

Evaluating the Need for LSU to Suspend Its Spring Game

To determine whether LSU should consider suspending its spring game, several factors need to be examined:

  1. Player Health and Season Demands: Unlike Texas, which had an extended 16-game season in 2024, LSU’s 2024 season comprised 13 games, concluding with a bowl appearance. While the physical demands are significant, they are not as extensive as those faced by teams with longer seasons. Therefore, the immediate concern regarding player wear and tear may be less pressing for LSU.​

  2. Roster Stability and Transfer Concerns: The apprehension about player poaching is valid across all programs. However, LSU has demonstrated resilience in maintaining roster stability. The program successfully navigated the transfer portal, bringing in a top-ranked class with multiple immediate impact players. This proactive approach suggests that LSU is effectively managing potential transfer risks.​

  3. Fan Engagement and Program Tradition: The spring game serves as a vital touchpoint between the team and its supporters. It offers fans a glimpse into the upcoming season and fosters community engagement. For a program with a passionate fan base like LSU, the spring game is more than just a practice; it’s a celebrated tradition.​

  4. Recruiting Advantages: Hosting a spring game provides an opportunity to showcase the program to potential recruits. The event allows prospects to experience the game-day atmosphere and witness the team’s dynamics firsthand, which can be a persuasive factor in recruitment.​

Potential Modifications to the Spring Game Format

While the outright cancellation of the spring game may not be necessary for LSU, considering adjustments to its format could address concerns related to player health and strategic exposure:

  1. Controlled Scrimmage Environment: Implementing a controlled scrimmage with limited contact can minimize injury risks while still providing valuable on-field experience.​

  2. Closed Practices: Conducting certain portions of spring practice sessions behind closed doors can help in safeguarding strategic developments and reducing the potential for external scouting.​

  3. Enhanced Security Measures: To combat potential tampering or poaching, LSU can enforce stricter access controls during practices and scrimmages, ensuring that only authorized personnel are present.​

  4. The Rationale Behind Canceling Spring Games

    The primary motivations for programs like Texas and USC to cancel their spring games revolve around player health and the evolving landscape of college football.

    1. Injury Prevention

    One of the biggest concerns with spring games is the risk of injuries to key players before the season even begins. Football is a physically demanding sport, and even controlled scrimmages can lead to significant injuries. Losing a starting quarterback, a key defensive playmaker, or an offensive lineman to a season-ending injury in a non-essential game could be devastating for a team’s championship aspirations. Programs like Texas and USC may have suspended their spring games as a precautionary measure to preserve their rosters’ health heading into fall camp.

    2. Roster Depth and Transfer Portal Impact

    With the transfer portal becoming more active than ever, many programs are struggling with depth issues in the spring. Players often transfer out after the season in search of better opportunities, leaving some positions thin until incoming recruits and transfers arrive in the summer. If a team lacks sufficient depth, a spring game could expose weaknesses and increase the likelihood of injuries to players who are already taking on extra reps. This issue may have contributed to Texas and USC’s decisions, as both teams have seen significant roster movement.

    3. Coaching Strategies and Competitive Advantage

    Spring games are typically televised and heavily scouted by future opponents. While coaches try to keep their playbooks simple during these scrimmages, they can still reveal formations, tendencies, and depth chart decisions that other teams can analyze. Programs with national championship ambitions may see value in keeping their strategies under wraps rather than giving opponents any hints about their offensive and defensive schemes.

    4. Evolving Landscape of College Football

    With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and conference realignments shaping the future of college football, some programs may be reassessing the importance of spring games. Instead of holding a public scrimmage, teams might opt for closed-door practices, private team evaluations, or even off-field promotional events that benefit players and their brands.

    Should LSU Follow Suit and Cancel Its Spring Game?

    LSU has historically valued its spring game as a way to engage fans, assess roster depth, and evaluate new talent in a game-like setting. However, in light of Texas and USC canceling their scrimmages, should the Tigers reconsider their approach?

    Reasons LSU Should Consider Canceling Its Spring Game

    1. Injury Concerns for Key Players LSU has a talented roster, but injuries during spring games have impacted teams in the past. If a star player were to suffer a significant injury in a meaningless exhibition, it could hinder the team’s success during the season.

    2. Roster Depth and Transfer Issues Like many other programs, LSU has been affected by the transfer portal. If the Tigers are still adjusting to roster changes, they might benefit more from controlled scrimmages in practice rather than a full-scale spring game.

    3. Coaching Staff Preferences Head coach Brian Kelly may want to keep LSU’s playbook under wraps heading into the season. If Texas and USC see value in maintaining secrecy, LSU might also gain a competitive edge by avoiding public exposure.

    4. Focus on Alternative Fan Engagement Instead of holding a spring game, LSU could explore other ways to engage fans, such as open practices, exclusive fan experiences, or interactive social media content.

    Reasons LSU Should Keep Its Spring Game

    1. Fan Engagement and Tradition LSU football has a passionate fan base, and the spring game is an opportunity for Tiger Nation to get excited about the upcoming season. Canceling the event could disappoint fans who look forward to seeing new talent on the field.

    2. Evaluating Depth and Player Development Spring games allow coaches to assess how players perform under game-like conditions. For young players and new transfers, it’s a valuable opportunity to prove themselves before fall camp.

    3. Recruiting and NIL Opportunities Spring games can be a recruiting tool, showcasing LSU’s program to prospective players and NIL partners. Recruits often attend these events to get a feel for the atmosphere and coaching style.

    The Verdict: What Should LSU Do?

    While Texas and USC have canceled their spring games, LSU must evaluate whether doing so aligns with its goals. If injuries and roster depth are primary concerns, limiting full-contact situations may be beneficial. However, given the tradition, fan engagement, and player development opportunities, LSU may still find value in keeping the event.

    Ultimately, the decision rests with Brian Kelly and his staff. If they believe that the risks outweigh the rewards, LSU could adopt a modified approach—perhaps a controlled scrimmage without live tackling or an event focused more on skill showcases than full-game action.

    Whatever the choice, LSU must ensure that it balances player safety, team development, and fan engagement while preparing for a championship-caliber season.

Leave a Comment