USC joins Nebraska and Ohio State skipping a spring football game - Los Angeles Times
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule cited widespread tampering in college football as one of the primary reasons for the decision to cancel the Cornhuskers’ spring game, which last year drew more than 60,000 fans and was followed by top performers entering the transfer portal after Rhule suggested they were wooed by other schools. Other coaches have mused about shifting the spring calendar to follow more of an NFL model.
The attendance at USC’s recent spring games was much more sparse. But without such a showcase, it will be a while before fans see players in action at the Coliseum. Practices this spring remain closed to the public, just as they’ve been since Lincoln Riley took over as coach.
In lieu of a spring showcase, USC is planning to host two new events intended to give fans and former players a chance to engage with the program. In the spring, USC will host an event for former players on campus. And plans are in the works for a fan appreciation event this summer that will be held in addition to the Salute to Troy.
Ryan Kartje is the USC beat writer at the Los Angeles Times. He joined The Times after six years with the Southern California News Group. A Michigan native and University of Michigan graduate, Kartje previously wrote for Fox Sports Wisconsin and the Bloomington (Ind.) Herald-Times.
