Dabo Swinney Stands Firm as SEC Teams Cancel Spring Games—Why Clemson Isn’t Following the Trend

Why Are Teams Canceling Spring Games?

Several factors are driving the shift away from spring games across the college football landscape:

• Injury Concerns: With the transfer portal and NIL era making player retention more difficult, many coaches are hesitant to risk injuries in a game setting.
• Roster Depth Issues: Some programs lack the necessary depth at key positions due to early NFL departures and portal movement, making a full-scale scrimmage unrealistic.
• Shifting Priorities: Some coaches prefer to use controlled scrimmages and private workouts to evaluate talent rather than showcase their rosters in a public setting.

Why Clemson Won’t Budge

Head coach Dabo Swinney sees the spring game as more than just a scrimmage—it’s a major event for both the program and the town of Clemson. Swinney has long championed the importance of keeping the game, citing the financial benefits it brings to local businesses and the excitement it generates for fans.

Additionally, Swinney views the spring game as a valuable recruiting tool, giving prospects a taste of the Death Valley atmosphere while providing his players with a game-like experience in front of a live crowd.

While some of college football’s biggest programs back away from spring games, Clemson remains committed to its tradition. With April 5 fast approaching, Tiger fans can count on seeing their team take the field—no cancellations, no changes, just football in Death Valley.