Deion Sanders’ Proposal to Revamp Spring Games Sparks Nationwide Interest

BOULDER, Colo. — Colorado head coach Deion Sanders is garnering attention across college football with his proposal to transform traditional spring games into NFL-style exhibition contests. The initiative aims to allow two teams to compete in spring games instead of the usual one-team scrimmages.

After Sanders publicly voiced his idea, Syracuse coach Fran Brown quickly responded, extending an invitation for his team to engage in an exhibition game with Colorado. The collaboration has sparked interest from coaches nationwide, with American Football Coaches Association executive director Craig Bohl noting that many others are eager to see how these changes would play out.

“If a couple programs choose to explore this, I think it’s going to be something that could revolutionize how we view spring games,” Bohl told the Associated Press. Colorado has confirmed that it is actively collaborating with the NCAA and Big 12 to facilitate an exhibition game with Syracuse, although details are yet to be finalized.

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule has expressed support for the concept, highlighting the benefits he observed with joint practices while coaching the Panthers in the NFL. “If anybody can do it, Coach Sanders can,” Rhule stated. “If that happened, I would certainly look into all that has to offer.”

Moreover, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy has indicated his desire to arrange a spring exhibition game between his team and rival Oklahoma. The historic Bedlam rivalry had been a staple in the state until it was discontinued last year following Oklahoma’s move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Reviving this rivalry, even in an exhibition format, could attract a significant audience.

In just two seasons at Colorado, Sanders has already made a significant impact on college football, and he may have the potential to reshape the future landscape of spring games with his innovative approach.