This Saturday is packed with a college football spring game. Eleven teams will show us what they’ve been working on and give us a sneak peek at the upcoming season. Here’s what to watch for in each game.
Saturday’s Spring Game Schedule (All Times Eastern)
Duke Blue Devils – Noon
Duke surprised everyone with a 9-4 record last year, and now expectations are even higher with transfer quarterback Darian Mensah joining the team. The big question is who he will throw to. Duke lost their top two receivers and best tight end from last season.
Keep an eye on third-year receiver Que’Sean Brown and transfers Andrel Anthony (from Oklahoma) and Cooper Barkate (from Princeton). Running back Jaquez Moore is another player to watch – he got hurt early last season, but if he’s back to full strength, Duke’s offense could be balanced and dangerous.
Houston Cougars – Noon
Houston is making big changes in its second year under coach Willie Fritz. After struggling last season, especially on offense, where Slade Nagle is now in charge, the team has new offensive and defensive coordinators.
Houston’s biggest concern is the offensive line. They brought in five new linemen from the transfer portal to help protect quarterback Conner Weigman, a former Texas A&M player who’s now playing in his hometown. Watch how the new line works together and whether Weigman looks comfortable in the new system.
Michigan Wolverines – Noon
Michigan is starting fresh after losing key players and bringing in new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. They need to improve their passing game, which was one of the worst in the country last year. Five-star freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood will get much attention as fans hope he’s the answer to their offensive problems.
On defense, Michigan has to replace star defensive linemen Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. Rayshaun Benny is back, but they’ll need transfers like Damon Payne (Alabama) and Tre Williams (Clemson) to step up.
South Carolina Gamecocks – 12:30 p.m.
South Carolina is building on last year’s strong 9-4 season. They have two young stars: quarterback LaNorris Sellers and defensive end Dylan Stewart. The spring game will show us if the players around them are developing well.
With star running back Rocket Sanders now in the NFL, watch for Utah State transfer Rahsul Faison, who ran for over 1,100 yards last season. South Carolina needs a strong running game to compete in the tough SEC.
Arkansas Razorbacks – 1 p.m.
Coach Sam Pittman is under pressure after three straight losing seasons. Arkansas has changed much of its roster and needs to identify its best players and build depth.
The offensive line needs significant improvement – quarterback Taylen Green was sacked 32 times last season. Arkansas brought in five transfers and a junior college player to help protect him. Also watch the new wide receivers, including former UAB standout Kam Shanks, as they try to replace players lost to the NFL and transfers.
Mississippi State Bulldogs – 1 p.m.
Jeff Lebby’s first year at Mississippi State was rough – they went 2-10 and didn’t win a conference game. Their defense was especially bad, so they added seven defensive linemen from the transfer portal to improve a pass rush that was one of the worst in the country.
Watch transfers Red Hibbler, Will Whitson, and Malick Sylla on the defensive line. On offense, quarterback Blake Shapen is back from injury, but he’ll compete with Luke Kromenhoek, a Florida State transfer who started two games last year.
Oklahoma State Cowboys – 2 p.m.
Coach Mike Gundy completely rebuilt his coaching staff and roster after a disappointing 2024 season. The quarterback competition is wide open, with TCU transfer Hauss Hejny in the mix.
The Cowboys must also replace their offensive line – all six top players from last year are gone. They brought in five transfers to rebuild. On defense, watch UTEP transfer Kyran Duhon, an exciting defensive lineman who could immediately make an impact.
Texas A&M Aggies – 3 p.m.
Texas A&M started strong under new coach Mike Elko last year but faded late in the season. Elko is taking more control of the defense this year after losing several key players to the NFL.
The Aggies return all five starting offensive linemen, which should help their running game. Watch for running backs Rueben Owens and Le’Veon Moss, who are returning from injuries, along with Amari Daniels. Quarterback Marcel Reed showed potential last year and needs to step forward as a leader.
Texas Tech Red Raiders – 3 p.m.
Texas Tech went all-in on the transfer portal, bringing in 17 new players. Coach Joey McGuire has high expectations – competing for the Big 12 title and making the playoffs.
New defensive coordinator Shiel Wood must fix a defense that struggled against the pass. The Red Raiders added five defensive backs through transfers, plus edge rusher Romello Height, who has played at multiple Power Five schools.
Utah Utes – 4 p.m.
Utah is changing its offense under new coordinator Jason Beck after their first losing season since 2013. Transfer quarterback Devon Dampier followed Beck from New Mexico, and the Utes added eight new running backs and receivers.
Despite losing an all-conference player, Utah’s cornerbacks should be strong with Smith Snowden and Elijah Davis returning, plus three transfers. Watch Washington State transfer running back Wayshawn Parker, who will have a more significant role replacing a 1,000-yard rusher.
Colorado Buffaloes – 4:30 p.m.
Colorado is preparing for life after stars Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Liberty transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter will compete with five-star freshman Julian Lewis for the starting job.
The Buffaloes lost most of their receiving production, so returners Drelon Miller and Omarion Miller need to step up, along with Tulsa transfer Joseph Williams and portal addition Sincere Brown. Watch Alabama transfer Jeheim Oatis on defense, who has significant SEC experience on the defensive line.
KEEP READING: Colorado Buffaloes Spring Game 2025: Start Time, TV Info, Top Storylines
This Saturday gives us our first honest look at how these teams are changing and improving. While spring games don’t count in the standings, they show us how new players fit in and what to expect this fall. The road to the 2025 season starts now, and these games will give us plenty to talk about until kickoff in August.
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