USC joins Nebraska and Ohio State calling off its annual spring football game

After years of showcasing its football team at the end of every spring, USC will not host a spring game, a person familiar with the decision not authorized to speak publicly told The Times on Wednesday.

Spring games had been held at USC since Pete Carroll strolled the sidelines of the Coliseum, giving fans a chance for a first glimpse months ahead of the season opener. The decision to do away with the exhibition comes as the major college football landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Big Ten rivals Nebraska and Ohio State also moved to cancel spring games, and it’s likely that others will too.

USC Sports

Q&A: A.D. Jennifer Cohen on Lincoln Riley’s ‘disappointing’ season, NIL and helping USC win

USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen says she’s supporting Lincoln Riley as he works to get the football program on track following a difficult season.

Nov. 30, 2023

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule cited widespread tampering in college football as one of the primary reasons for the decision to cancel the Cornhuskers’ spring game, which last year drew more than 60,000 fans and was followed by top performers entering the transfer portal after Rhule suggested they were wooed by other schools. Other coaches have mused about shifting the spring calendar to follow more of an NFL model.

The attendance at USC’s recent spring games was much more sparse. But without such a showcase, it will be a while before fans see players in action at the Coliseum. Practices this spring remain closed to the public, just as they’ve been since Lincoln Riley took over as coach.

In lieu of a spring showcase, USC is planning to host two new events intended to give fans and former players a chance to engage with the program. In the spring, USC will host an event for former players on campus. And plans are in the works for a fan appreciation event this summer that will be held in addition to the Salute to Troy.