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‘Not Going to Call It a Spring Game’


Troy Dannen’s big Wednesday continued on his monthly appearance on Sports Nightly.

After a day filled with commemorative radio booth renames, volleyball coach retirings and hirings, Dannen dropped more information regarding the Nebraska football Red-White Spring Game. The contest marks the final day of spring practices, usually in April or early May.

Dannen said on Sports Nightly that the Husker football program would hold its final spring practice on April 26, but warned fans not to expect the usual game-like event.

Dylan Raiola throws a touchdown pass during the 2024 Nebraska football Red-White spring game.

Dylan Raiola throws a touchdown pass during the 2024 Nebraska football Red-White spring game. / Kenny Larabee, KLIN

“I am not going to call it a game,” Dannen said. “Do not expect it to be a ‘spring game’ because I do not expect it to be a game. I don’t know what it’s going to be yet – really that’s Matt (Rhule’s) call.”

The Huskers annually have held a Red-White scrimmage with two teams competing in a game-like format on the final day of spring practices.

However, with the changes arriving to college football with the new 105-man roster rule, Nebraska has had to trim its past roster that hovered close to 150 players down to 130 for the start of spring practices. Matt Rhule and the Huskers may have elected to opt away from the traditional Spring Game because of the numbers change. Dannen agreed with that philosophy, citing a growing national standard across college football.

Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen speaks at the annual "A Night At The Lied" event April 28, 2024.

Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen speaks at the annual “A Night At The Lied” event April 28, 2024. / Nebraska Athletics

“True games as we’ve know them in the spring are falling by the wayside for a lot of reasons, but there will be something,” Dannen said. 

Dannen did add that Nebraska fans would still be included for the final day of spring practices, but exactly what will take place has yet to be determined. One option, he said, is a “fall sports preview” where volleyball, soccer and other athletics would also take part.

“It’s going to be the 26th of April, so we can at least circle the date and figure out what that looks like down the line,” he said. 

Dante Dowdell breaks free for a 49-yard touchdown run during the 2024 Nebraska football Red-White Spring Game.

Dante Dowdell breaks free for a 49-yard touchdown run during the 2024 Nebraska football Red-White Spring Game. / Cory Edmondson, KFGE

Injuries were a key reason for the change, according to Dannen, who cited a pair of ACL injuries suffered in last year’s contest.

“I think the football staff is going to figure out exactly what they want to do over the next few weeks,” he said. “Whether it’s a seven-on-seven thing or whether he brings some alums back or whether he plays flag football, I don’t know, but you know, a de-emphasis on the game part, the contact part.”

“It’s a different era from a compensation standpoint and the NIL and the investment there,” Dannen said. “Transfer portal opens up right after those spring game dates. And so, I expect something that’s not not going to be televised, but something that will be a celebration of our athletes. We’ll get to see some some skills and see what they’ve got and then go from there.”

For now, fans will have to wait to see what the Huskers will do with their April 26 date.

MORE: Troy Dannen: Hiring Dani Busboom Kelly a ‘No Brainer’ for Nebraska Volleyball

MORE: Adam Carriker Gut Reaction: John Cook Retires & Dani Busboom Kelly Is Nebraska’s New Volleyball Coach

MORE: I-80 Club: Special Announcement, John Cook’s Retirement, & Nebrasketball’s Continued Struggles

MORE: Social Media Reacts to Emotional Nebraska Volleyball Coaching Change

MORE: Dani Busboom Kelly Named New Nebraska Volleyball Coach, Replacing John Cook

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.



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