In a major move, the NC State Wolfpack has canceled the 2025 spring football game in favor of closed practices. This decision reflects a growing trend among major college football programs to reconsider the traditional spring game format.
NC State Joins Growing List of Teams Canceling Spring Games
After hiring two new coordinators this offseason and attempting to implement new concepts on both sides of the ball, NC State will not be conducting an open spring game this year.
NC State coach Dave Doeren decided to close all 15 spring practices to the public earlier this year. He highlighted the shift in play-callers, with offensive coordinator Kurt Roper and defensive coordinator D.J. Eliot constructing their systems, as the primary reason why the Pack will not show fans or media a glimpse of the new-look roster this spring.
NC State HC Dave Doeren “All 15 practices will be closed this spring.” which means no Spring Game for N.C. State this year.
— Pack Pride (@PackPride) February 25, 2025
Doeren highlighted the significance of keeping strategic advancements confidential, adding, “All practices this spring, obviously with 2 new coordinators, are gonna be closed to the public… For obvious reasons, you don’t want your stuff out there if it doesn’t have to be.”
A National Trend
NC State’s decision reflects a growing trend in collegiate football. Texas, USC, Nebraska, and Ohio State have all canceled their 2025 spring games.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian ascribed the adjustment to the extra workload of longer seasons, saying that the team had played 30 games in the last two seasons, including 16 in 2024.
Nebraska’s Matt Rhule raised concern about players stealing through the transfer portal, arguing that public spring games could expose potential to other programs.
The traditional spring game has long been a source of fan involvement, presenting a preview of the approaching season.
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However, the evolution of college football, characterized by more player mobility and competitiveness, has led coaches to prioritize team confidentiality and player development over public demonstrations.
While this change could annoy fans familiar with spring showcases, it indicates a smart response to the latest challenges in the sport.
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