NC State becomes latest FBS program to cancel its spring football game. Here’s why
N.C. State will not host a spring football game nor will it open any practices to fans or media, head coach Dave Doeren announced on Tuesday.
The Wolfpack completed its first spring practice prior to Doeren’s press conference.
“At our practices this spring, with two new coordinators, they are going to be closed to the public,” Doeren told the media. “Nothing will be televised.”
He said the team will still hold scrimmages, situational practices and “thuds.” The team will play throughout the spring and make the most of its 15 practices and weekend opportunities — the Pack doesn’t want schematic changes and personnel performances publicized this early.
The ACC does not require member institutions to hold spring football games, though some still do.
“We’re going to play and we’re going to get better this spring,” Doeren said. “For obvious reasons, you don’t want your stuff out there if it doesn’t have to be.”
Sophomore quarterback CJ Bailey is not concerned about the change, though he said the team is “ready for whatever.”
The Wolfpack wrapped up its winter conditioning period and welcomed players back on the grass Tuesday. N.C. State added 31 new players for the upcoming season, a third of which are transfers.
Doeren said he’s excited to watch the growth and preparation before the team takes the field in the fall.
“With spring football, you’ve got 15 opportunities,” Doeren said. “I told the team this the other day: There’s only 365 days in the year. You play 12 games that you’re promised. You only get to play football 15 times in the spring. They’re very valuable. Every rep matters for these guys, and so it’s really good to get out there and just get a measuring stick on day one of where we’re at.”
N.C. State is the latest major program to cancel the traditional event. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian recently announced on the Up & Adams podcast that the Longhorns would not host a spring game.
“I just don’t know rolling the ball out, playing the game, when we only get 15 practices, is the best for us to maximize the opportunities that we get,” Sarkisian said. He also cited concerns about limiting the risk of preseason injuries.
Nebraska’s Matt Rhule said his team likely won’t host one, either. He cited the second transfer portal window. The first portal window opened in December, but the second opens in April. Rhule told reporters he doesn’t want other programs to use footage from the Huskers’ practices or scrimmages to dangle name, image and likeness deals to lure players to transfer.
Missouri, coached by former N.C. State assistant Eli Drinkwitz, will also not host a spring game.
Ohio State, the reigning national champion, is expected to host a showcase, but head coach Ryan Day gave few details and said it won’t be a traditional spring football game.
National championship runner-up Notre Dame announced it will host a spring game, as will Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma and Tennessee. In the ACC, Clemson, Duke, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Pitt and Virginia are among the confirmed spring game hosts. Florida State will not host a game because renovations at Doak Campbell Stadium.
Michigan held the first spring game open to the public in 1925, beginning the long tradition. Programs have moved away from the standard football game or scrimmage to fan events, basic open practices or special access events for donors.
N.C. State begins the 2025 season on Thursday, Aug. 28, against East Carolina.
