Deion Sanders has proposed a significant change to the college football spring practice structure, suggesting teams engage in scrimmages and even a game against an opponent from another school. This idea, reminiscent of NFL preseason practices, aims to inject more excitement and a better evaluation environment than traditional intrasquad scrimmages. Sanders argues that playing against unfamiliar competition would provide a more accurate assessment of a team's progress and player abilities.
This proposal could be particularly beneficial for programs like Iowa State. Currently, teams are limited to intrasquad scrimmages during the spring. However, the opportunity to face an opponent like the University of Iowa would offer a valuable competitive edge. Iowa State, under coach Matt Campbell, could utilize such a scrimmage to gain a more realistic evaluation of player development and make crucial personnel decisions heading into the fall. Campbell, while cautious about traditional spring games, might find the controlled scrimmage environment appealing for its developmental benefits.
Adding another layer to this discussion, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy has weighed in with a unique suggestion regarding the Bedlam rivalry. With the traditional matchup against Oklahoma on hold, Gundy proposed that the two teams could revive the rivalry in the spring through a home-and-home scrimmage series. He envisions these as full-thud practices, mitigating injury risks while still providing a competitive environment.
Extending this concept to the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry, a spring scrimmage between the two could generate significant fan interest and financial opportunities. Ticket sales for such an event could become a valuable fundraising avenue for the NIL collectives associated with both universities, directly benefiting student-athletes. This aligns with the evolving landscape of college sports where NIL is increasingly important.
While Sanders' proposal faces NCAA regulatory hurdles, the potential for programs like Iowa State to benefit from inter-team spring scrimmages, particularly against in-state rivals like Iowa, is significant. The heightened competition, improved player evaluation, and potential for NIL fundraising make this an intriguing prospect that could reshape the landscape of college football spring practices.
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