Spring Game Dates, Times and TV Options for Every Top 25 Team
The calendar might not say spring for another week or so, but the sounds of pads smacking and whistles blowing say otherwise.
Spring football is well underway throughout the country, with most FBS teams in the midst of their allotted 16 practice days during a five-week span during the offseason. These workouts help new players get acclimated to the program while allowing upgraded systems to get implemented.
This culminates with an end-of-practice exhibition or scrimmage usually referred to as a spring game, which is open to the public and can serve as an early chance to see the stars of next season's team.
Spring games are scheduled nearly every week between now (Colorado holds its scrimmage on March 15) through early May, with Duke having already held its game on Feb. 28.
Using Bleacher Report's post-signing day Top 25 as a guide, we've put together a handy list of the dates, times and (when applicable) TV info for fans looking to watch a school's spring game.
NOTE: Spring game television information is current as of Wednesday, March 11.
25. BYU
1 of 25
When: March 27, 8 p.m. ET
TV: None
What's happening
Quarterback Taysom Hill, who broke his leg in October after getting off to a great start to the 2014 season, is participating in drills in hopes he can return to full strength for this fall.
Hill had amassed 1,438 yards of total offense and 15 total touchdowns before getting hurt, and he has 52 total touchdowns in his career. The senior is being pegged as BYU's starter, but coach Bronco Mendenhall has said he hopes to have the offense get changed to where Hill isn't as much at risk for injury.
"(Our offense) is going to look very similar other than we will have less truly designed quarterback runs," Mendenhall said, per Brett Pyne of BYUCougars.com. "Our hope is that we won't call as many designed Taysom-specific run plays, and if there are those, the sliding and running out of bounds is preferred after getting a first down."
Hill was injured on Oct. 4 against rival Utah State while scrambling for extra yardage.
24. Wisconsin
2 of 25
When: April 25, 4 p.m. ET
TV: Big Ten Network
What's happening
Paul Chryst takes over a Wisconsin program he was a part of as recently as 2012, when he was the Badgers' offensive coordinator before spending the past two seasons as Pittsburgh's head coach. Chryst inherits a team that has to replace most of its offensive line and 2,500-yard rusher Melvin Gordon, but productive backup Corey Clement answers that latter issue.
The Badgers have to figure out what to do at quarterback, where neither Joel Stave nor Tanner McEvoy was effective last season, while on defense they need to address some holes at the linebacker position.
23. LSU
3 of 25
When: April 18, time TBD
TV: None
What's happening
LSU has questions to answer all over the field during spring practice, starting with its quarterback situation and then continuing throughout the defense. The former is an issue that existed last year and never got settled, while the defensive uncertainty stems from another year of attrition due to graduation and NFL early departures.
Brandon Harris and Anthony Jennings will battle to be coach Les Miles' quarterback with the hope being that one will emerge during the spring instead of having the competition linger into the summer.
On defense, look for the Tigers to operate differently under Kevin Steele as coordinator. He replaces John Chavis, who left to run Texas A&M's defense.
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22. Georgia Tech
4 of 25
When: April 17, 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN3 (online)
What's happening
Georgia Tech was one of the big surprises of 2014, winning the ACC's Coastal Division and nearly knocking off Florida State in the conference title game before rolling past Mississippi State to win the Orange Bowl. Now the Yellow Jackets get to work on replicating that success, and the spring will be the first chance for a slew of new starters on offense to get settled in.
Tech's option run game ranked second in the country in yardage last season, but only quarterback Marcus Thomas returns from among the top ball-carriers. The Jackets also graduated several blockers up front and most of their wide receivers.
21. Oklahoma
5 of 25
When: April 11, 2 p.m. ET
TV: None
What's happening
Coming off a disappointing 8-5 season in 2014, Oklahoma will have a very new look this year, both on the sidelines and when on the field. Coach Bob Stoops overhauled his coaching staff, including bringing in East Carolina's Lincoln Riley to run the offense and implement the Air Raid attack.
That will make the competition for the Sooners' starting quarterback position very interesting, as Trevor Knight and Cody Thomas both struggled in the spread offense in 2014 while Texas Tech transfer Baker Mayfield (who sat out last year) has plenty of experience in a wide-open passing system.
Practice began March 7 in Norman, where Oklahoma's defense has had to work without some notable contributors who are missing time because of injury or suspension.
20. Texas A&M
6 of 25
When: No game
What's happening
This is the second year in a row that Texas A&M isn't having a spring game due to ongoing construction at Kyle Field. The Aggies chose not to hold such a game at an off-campus location, but they will do everything else associated with spring practice, which for them began March 2.
A&M has another strong batch of early enrollees participating in spring ball, most notably wide receiver Christian Kirk, a 5-star prospect from Arizona who will make the Aggies' already deep receiving corps that much stronger.
Expect the main emphases in spring to be on further developing quarterback Kyle Allen, who took over as starter late in his true freshman season in 2014, and working to improve efficiency on defense.
19. Oklahoma State
7 of 25
When: April 18, time TBD
TV: None
What's happening
Oklahoma State was a young and inexperienced team last season, though it rallied late in the year to become bowl-eligible—doing so by upsetting rival Oklahoma on the road—and then beat Washington in the Cactus Bowl. Now the Cowboys head into 2015 as a far more mature unit, one that could contend for a top spot in the Big 12 with continued development.
Coach Mike Gundy's team begins spring practice this week, with sophomore Mason Rudolph opening as the No. 1 quarterback after his great performance late last year. Rudolph was headed for a redshirt season before getting thrown into action in November, and he threw for 853 yards and six touchdowns in two-plus games with a 2-0 record as a starter.
The Cowboys have a big playmaker on the defensive line in Emmanuel Ogbah, and depth at linebacker will make for a spirited competition this spring.
18. Tennessee
8 of 25
When: April 25, 2 p.m. ET
TV: None
What's happening
Tennessee used youthful exuberance to win seven games last season, and now expectations have been raised for a Volunteers team that brings back nearly every notable contributor.
Coach Butch Jones is trying to temper those hopes, telling Bleacher Report's Brad Shepard, "We're still a work in progress. We have to work to become better individually and collectively as a football team as well."
Quarterback Joshua Dobbs helped spark the offense when he took over the starting job in mid-October, and he'll be using the spring to fine-tune his game and continue developing strong relationships with his many great skill players.
17. Arkansas
9 of 25
When: April 5, 2 p.m. ET
TV: None
What to watch for
Arkansas broke through late last season with some tremendous defensive efforts and an improving offense that got the Razorbacks to seven wins and a dominant bowl victory. Now the Hogs have high expectations for 2015, and that starts with a strong spring practice.
Most of the starters are back, particularly on offense, where quarterback Brandon Allen and 1,000-yard rushers Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams will continue to run behind an NFL-sized offensive line.
Workouts begin March 16, and most of the emphasis will be on replacing lost defensive starters like linemen Trey Flowers and Darius Philon.
16. Arizona
10 of 25
When: April 10, 9 p.m. ET
TV: Pac-12 Network
What's happening
A year after seeing spring ball serve as the start of a wide-open quarterback competition, Anu Solomon has the job all to himself this year following a breakout performance in 2014 as a redshirt freshman. Most of the Wildcats offense comes back intact, particularly at the skill positions, where young stars emerged last year and should continue to get better.
Arizona is coming off its first 10-win season since 1998, and the defending Pac-12 South champions are expected to contend for that title again this year. It will need to replace a handful of defensive players, but superstar linebacker Scooby Wright is back to hold down the middle.
Wright won the Bednarik, Lombardi and Nagurski awards last year, leading FBS in tackles, tackles for loss and forced fumbles while ranking second in sacks.
15. Florida State
11 of 25
When: April 11, 2 p.m. ET
TV: None
What's happening
The post-Jameis Winston era is set to begin with the upcoming spring workouts, where Sean Maguire and other quarterbacks will compete to replace the former Heisman Trophy winner who helped Florida State win a national title in 2013-14 and reach last season's national semifinals.
Five passers will participate in spring ball, while a sixth (freshman Deondre Francois) arrives in the summer.
The Seminoles either graduated or lost to the NFL draft 15 starters from last season's team, making their spring session very important. Four offensive linemen graduated, and three-fourths of the defensive line is gone along with both starting quarterbacks.
14. Auburn
12 of 25
When: April 18, 2 p.m. ET
TV: None
What's happening
Even with new starters at quarterback and running back, there's not much concern that Auburn will have any problems on offense. Gus Malzahn's system has looked great in its first two years, and there's nothing to indicate this will change in 2015 even with Jeremy Johnson replacing Nick Marshall and adding more passing to the attack.
All of the focus during the spring will be on defensive improvement and development, as new coordinator (and former Florida coach) Will Muschamp looks to do something with a Tigers unit that has plenty of talent but was regularly torched by opponents last year.
Muschamp has also helped reap benefits on the recruiting trail, but most of those signees won't be in camp until the summer. This spring he'll be working with Auburn's defensive returners, which include several starters up front but less so in the secondary.
13. Georgia
13 of 25
When: April 11, 2 p.m. ET
TV: None
What's happening
Georgia has a superstar at running back in Nick Chubb and an improving defense that figures to get even better with another offseason to work under accomplished coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. Yet what will be most worth watching this spring is how new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer changes things after Mike Bobo left to take over Colorado State's program.
The first area to sort things out is at quarterback, where sophomore Brice Ramsey, junior Faton Bauta and redshirt freshman Jacob Park will battle to replace Hutson Mason.
"As spring practice progresses, the quarterback position will be under a lot of scrutiny as Ramsey, Bauta and Park fight to emerge as the starter," Bleacher Report's Douglas J. Miller wrote.
12. Arizona State
14 of 25
When: Friday, April 10, 10 p.m. ET
TV: Pac-12 Network
What's happening
Arizona State opens practice on March 16 looking to build on the momentum that's come from two straight 10-win seasons, the first such back-to-back strong years since the early 1970s. The Sun Devils will have a new quarterback operating the offense, but Mike Bercovici got in a few starts last season when Taylor Kelly went down with a broken leg.
This spring will be Bercovici's time to make the offense his, though he'll be working with some new pieces. Receiver Jaelen Strong turned pro, and running back D.J. Foster is being converted to a slot wideout to help with the passing game.
Defensively, the Sun Devils bring back most of an aggressive unit that was young last year and now is loaded with experience.
11. Ole Miss
15 of 25
When: April 11, 1 p.m. ET
TV: None
What's happening
Practice began last week for Ole Miss, a series of workouts that might be more important for the Rebels than any other team in the SEC because of the number of important starting spots they need to fill. That includes at quarterback, where either former Clemson passer Chad Kelly or sophomores Ryan Buchanan or DeVante Kincade will replace Bo Wallace.
Kelly spent last season at a junior college after Clemson dismissed him last spring, and in December he got into legal trouble in his hometown of Buffalo.
The Rebels also have to replace several key starters on defense while they also hope to see progress from injured players such as receiver Laquon Treadwell and linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche. Both went down last season with broken legs, as did offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil.
10. Clemson
16 of 25
When: April 11, 2:30 p.m. ET
TV: None
What's happening
Clemson began spring workouts on March 2, and all eyes were on how quarterback Deshaun Watson looked as he comes back from knee surgery in December. The electric, mobile passer looked great when he was healthy last season, but a broken hand and the knee injury limited his action.
Watson won't be participating fully in practice because of his rehab, but he's expected to be out there every day in order to get acclimated with the rest of what's looking like a mostly intact offense for the Tigers.
"Even though Deshaun's not out there, everybody respects Deshaun," Clemson coach Dabo Swinney told Scott Keepfer of The Greenville News. "But we still need him to lead, and he can do that. We need that from him this spring—in that quarterback room, on the practice field, in the dining hall, in the locker room."
9. Oregon
17 of 25
When: May 2, 2 p.m. ET
TV: Pac-12 Network
What's happening
Oregon will be bringing up the rear for spring practice, with its scrimmage coming later than any other power program. But even with the late start, the most anticipated offseason competition won't be able to fully happen, since a key member of the fight to replace Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota won't arrive until June.
Vernon Adams, a start at FCS Eastern Washington the past three seasons, is transferring to the Ducks and will join the program after graduating this spring. He'll join junior Jeff Lockie, Mariota's backup last year, and redshirt freshmen Ty Gibson and Morgan Mahalak in the race.
Oregon has five early enrollees who are expected to participate in spring practice, including potential starters Taj Griffin (all-purpose back) and Canton Kaumatule (defensive end).
8. Notre Dame
18 of 25
When: April 18, time TBD
TV: None
What's happening
Practice begins March 18 in South Bend, and the session-ending spring game will be held in Notre Dame's practice facility rather than Notre Dame Stadium. In between, the Fighting Irish will spend a lot of time tweaking a mostly intact starting lineup that only has to replace a handful of starters.
Quarterbacks Everett Golson and Malik Zaire will again compete for the starting job, as they did last spring and summer. Golson won the gig and looked great early only to struggle with turnovers down the stretch and end up splitting snaps with Zaire in the Music City Bowl. Zaire shined in that game and could be the leader in the race when spring ball begins.
Notre Dame is also breaking in new coaches, with former Boise State offensive coordinator Mike Sanford joining the staff as well as former Fighting Irish stars Autry Denson and Todd Lyght.
7. UCLA
19 of 25
When: April 25, 1 p.m. ET
TV: Pac-12 Network
What's happening
Longtime starting quarterback Brett Hundley turned pro, leaving that key position up for grabs. Spring ball might not dictate who gets the job, but it will be a major focus of these workouts with true freshman Josh Rosen enrolling early to compete with junior Jerry Neuheisel and Asiantii Woulard.
Rosen is a 5-star prospect who is the crown jewel of the Bruins' top-flight recruiting class, while Neuheisel backed up Hundley last year and filled in for him during a key early-season win over Texas and led UCLA to victory. Woulard might be the wild card in the race, though, as the redshirt freshman is looking to make a big impression.
"Woulard has terrific arm strength and above-average athleticism," Bleacher Report's Jason Fray wrote. "He needs to continue to improve on the nuances and intricacies of the position. The physical tools are there for Woulard to become a potentially very good college signal-caller."
UCLA opens spring practice on March 31.
6. Michigan State
20 of 25
When: April 25, 2 p.m. ET
TV: Big Ten Network
What's happening
Michigan State has won 24 games over the past two seasons, and the quarterback who has started most of those victories (Connor Cook) returns for his senior year at the helm of an offense that has to replace leading rusher Jeremy Langford and top receiver Tony Lippett.
But the more pressing issues during the spring will be related to the Spartans defense, where not only do they need to fill in holes in the secondary but also have to settle in to new leadership after coordinator Pat Narduzzi left to take over the Pittsburgh program. MSU at least knows it will be strong up front with defensive end Shilique Calhoun returning for his senior year.
The Spartans begin spring practice on March 24.
5. Alabama
21 of 25
When: April 18, 3 p.m. ET
TV: None
What's happening
Alabama lost several notable players from last season's playoff team, including three stars who turned pro early. But the Crimson Tide are as deep as ever across the board, and with six freshman early enrollees able to participate in spring practice the process has already started to replace last year's losses.
Notable competitions to watch include at quarterback, where freshman Blake Barnett and senior Jake Coker are among the candidates to replace Blake Sims. Cooper Bateman, David Cornwell and Alex Morris are also in the mix, though don't expect them all to still be competing in the fall.
"Five quarterbacks are manageable in a spring practice for splitting reps," Bleacher Report's Marc Torrence wrote. "But the race will need to be tightened by the time fall camp rolls around."
4. USC
22 of 25
When: April 11, 6 p.m. ET
TV: Pac-12 Network
What's happening
USC has to find a new lead running back, a new top receiving target and replace a major force on the defensive line, but as the Trojans come out of scholarship restrictions and finally have a fully stocked roster it's looking like the 2015 season should be another productive one. Spring practice will help get that process started.
Practice began March 3 with senior Cody Kessler back at quarterback for the third straight year. He's one of 16 starters back from last year's 10-win team, though leading rusher Javorius Allen and top wideout Nelson Agholor both turned pro early. Same with defensive lineman Leonard Williams, who played both tackle and end.
The team will use spring ball to break in new starters at those positions while also allowing multiway player Adoree' Jackson to get more reps on offense after he showed off his ability to play receiver, cornerback and kick returner in the same game.
3. Baylor
23 of 25
When: March 20, time TBD
TV: None
What's happening
Baylor is more than half done with its offseason workouts, which began on Feb. 24 and will go through early April. Its scrimmage happens in the middle, with a "Friday Night Lights" theme at McLane Stadium.
That will be the first chance to see how the battle to replace Bryce Petty is going. Junior Seth Russell and freshman early enrollee Jarrett Stidham are expected to compete throughout the offseason for the job, with Russell having the advantage of serving as Petty's backup and looking good in his lone start last season.
The Bears bring back 17 starters from last year's 11-2 co-Big 12 champs,and expect another explosive offense along with an aggressive defense. Also look for more trickeration similar to when Baylor threw a touchdown pass to 410-pound offensive lineman LaQuan McGowan.
McGowan has been taking reps at tight and and H-back this spring, per ESPN.
2. TCU
24 of 25
When: April 10, time TBD
TV: None
What's happening
TCU is on spring break after opening practice last week. The Horned Frogs bring back 15 starters, including 10 from an offense that was second nationally in scoring and tied for fifth in yards per game. Quarterback Trevone Boykin heads into his senior year having finished fourth in the 2014 Heisman voting, and he figures to be a top contender for the award this season.
Defensive adjustments will be a key during spring ball, as longtime coordinator Dick Bumpas retired and has been replaced by co-coordinators DeMontie Cross and Chad Glasgow. They were the Frogs' linebackers and safeties coaches respectively last season.
TCU has to replace several key starters on defense, including linebacker Paul Dawson and defensive backs Sam Carter, Chris Hackett and Kevin White.
1. Ohio State
25 of 25
When: April 18, 1:30 p.m. ET
TV: Big Ten Network
What's happening
The defending national champions opened spring practice on Tuesday, and all eyes will be on how Ohio State goes about determining which of its three star quarterbacks will end up being the starter. Both senior Braxton Miller and sophomore J.T. Barrett are coming back from major injuries, but they're participating in some drills and workouts while junior Cardale Jones is handling the first-team reps.
"Cardale is getting more reps than he's ever gotten," coach Urban Meyer told Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod. "He became a very functional player with repetition...he's still almost a rookie—an older rookie that hasn't had a lot of reps."
Running back Ezekiel Elliott is sitting out the spring after having wrist surgery, but he's assured of a starting job. Competition for starting spots at wide receiver and at cornerback, defensive tackle and linebacker will be spotlighted.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
