LSU announces open practice on April 12 in place of spring game

LSU has made its decision regarding whether or not it will hold a Spring Game in 2025. According to Shea Dixon of The Bengal Tiger, the Tigers will host an open practice on April 12, followed by an autograph session for fans. The event will be free to attend.

“LSU Football’s decision is in on the CFB offseason storyline of ‘Spring Game vs No Spring Game.’ LSU announced it will host an open practice on April 12 followed by an autograph session for fans,” Dixon posted on The Bengal Tiger’s message board. “The practice in Tiger Stadium is free to attend. Gates open at 9:30 am.”

The decision from LSU follows a bevy of other programs modifying their spring games. The USC Trojans canceled their own version, amid a changing landscape in college athletics. The Trojans are hosting a fan appreciation event instead. Spring practices in Los Angeles are remaining closed to the public.

Additionally, Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule shared earlier in the offseason that they would consider not hosting a spring game over concerns about tampering. They eventually did cancel their spring game. 

Along with those schools, the Ohio State Buckeyes also previously changed the format of their spring game. Another huge program in Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns cancelled their spring game, as well.

Tampering has been a major concern in the modern era of college athletics. With a transfer portal window opening up shortly after spring practice comes to an end, players who stand out in spring games could hypothetically draw attention from those outside the program. So, to avoid those players being tampered with, teams are moving away from playing those traditional games.

Regardless, at least one team is sticking with their usual tradition when it comes to their Spring Game. Oregon will host a traditional spring game under Dan Lanning in a few weeks. The coach told The Oregonian’s James Crepea that his team will be best served by continuing as usual with the spring game.

“I think it’s the best way for us to get better,” Lanning said. “For me it’s the right way to cap off the spring. As long as I’m here we’ll be doing spring games.”

All told, it’ll be interesting to see what other programs decide over the next few weeks, but LSU’s decision is in. After a 9-4 season in 2024, the Tigers are hoping to continue their climb under Brian Kelly and take the next step. With quarterback Garrett Nussmeier returning, the sky is the limit, regarding of what they do with their Spring Game.

You can view a running list of spring game decisions announced by programs here, which On3 is tracking. The list will be updated periodically as more decisions are made and announced.