Cowboys Hold Final Spring Scrimmage

McNeese State football team prepares for upcoming season with final preseason workout.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 12:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The McNeese State Cowboys football team will hold their final spring scrimmage on Saturday morning at Navarre Stadium. Head coach Matt Viator said the team has had a productive spring camp so far, with newcomers fitting in well and the defensive line and linebackers looking strong. While a few key players have been limited due to injuries, Viator expects most to be ready for the start of the season on August 29 against Stephen F. Austin.

Why it matters

The spring scrimmage is an important evaluation period for the Cowboys as they look to build on last season and prepare for their upcoming schedule. With the annual spring game canceled, this final scrimmage will give the coaching staff a chance to get a close look at the roster and make final determinations before fall camp begins.

The details

The scrimmage on Saturday will feature around 80 plays, with the first and second teams going against each other. There will also be special teams work and red zone drills. Viator said the goal is to get everyone involved and evaluate some players who are still fighting for spots on the depth chart before the freshmen arrive in the summer.

  • The scrimmage will begin at approximately 10:15 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • McNeese State will hold two more practices in just helmets and shorts on Tuesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 3 to officially close out spring workouts.

The players

Matt Viator

The head coach of the McNeese State Cowboys football team, who has been pleased with the team's progress and effort during spring camp.

Stephen F. Austin

The first opponent for the Cowboys when they open the 2026 season on August 29.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'We are going to go through a lot of situations and work on some specific things.'”

— Matt Viator, Head Coach

“'I have been really pleased with the effort and the progress we have made this spring. The newcomers have come out and fit right in. That's a big thing these days: getting them on the same page with the program.'”

— Matt Viator, Head Coach

What’s next

McNeese State will open the 2026 season on August 29 against Stephen F. Austin, the first of three straight home games to begin the year.

The takeaway

The final spring scrimmage is an important evaluation period for the McNeese State football team as they look to build momentum heading into the 2026 season. With a productive camp so far and key players expected to be healthy, the Cowboys are optimistic about their chances of improving on last year's performance.