Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has hinted that he might cancel the team’s traditional spring game. While fans in Lincoln, Neb., would likely be upset by this decision, Rhule believes it may be necessary to maintain the cohesion of his program.
“I’m not sure yet, but I honestly doubt it,” Rhule told reporters on Saturday regarding the Cornhuskers playing in the spring game.
The concern stems from the transfer portal; he wants to prevent other coaches from targeting his players during the spring transfer period.
“The term ‘tampering’ is obsolete now,” Rhule stated. “It’s essentially an open market. I don’t want to expose my players to external scrutiny where other coaches could say, ‘He seems like a talented player—let’s recruit him.'”
Rhule is exploring alternative ways to showcase the team to fans without putting his players in the spotlight for potential recruitment. Last year’s spring game attracted 60,452 fans and was broadcasted on the Big Ten Network.
The spring transfer portal will close on April 25, after which Nebraska might welcome fans for a special event to wrap up spring practices.
“I do want to find a way to highlight our players,” he mentioned. “But I haven’t focused on anything besides recruiting at the moment.”
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