LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska will shake things up for its long-standing spring football game by introducing skills competitions and 7-on-7 games at Memorial Stadium on April 26, the school announced recently. The traditional scrimmage, which has been a staple since the 1920s and played annually since 1950, will be swapped out for a new format this year.
Coach Matt Rhule expressed concerns about other teams scouting players during the spring game and potentially poaching them via the transfer portal, leading to the decision to change things up. The skills competitions will mirror the format of the NFL’s Pro Bowl, with former players also taking part in various events. Additionally, there will be a women’s flag football exhibition to add to the excitement.
Tickets for the event are priced at $10 for adults, with an optional $50 tour of the football building also available for fans. Dubbed the Husker Games, the event will feature not only football activities but also a women’s soccer exhibition against Wyoming and a spring volleyball match against Kansas.
While some schools still opt for traditional spring games, the trend is shifting towards alternative formats due to roster sizes and injury concerns. Nebraska joins the likes of Texas, Ohio State, and Southern California in departing from the traditional spring game setup this season.
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