NCAA Denies Colorado-Syracuse Spring Game Proposal Again

The two programs hoped to hold a joint spring practice and exhibition, but the NCAA cited current rules prohibiting such outside competition.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The NCAA Division I FBS Oversight Committee has denied a proposal from the University of Colorado and Syracuse University to hold a joint spring football practice and exhibition game. This marks the second consecutive year the NCAA has rejected the innovative idea, which aimed to make spring football more competitive and engaging for fans. The NCAA cited current legislation that prohibits FBS programs from conducting spring practices or scrimmages against outside opponents, stating that allowing one-off waivers could create competitive imbalances.

Why it matters

The proposed Colorado-Syracuse joint spring game represented an effort to modernize the college football calendar and increase fan interest in the offseason. With some schools even scrapping traditional spring games due to roster concerns, the joint practice setup seemed like a logical evolution. However, the NCAA remains focused on maintaining structural consistency across programs, prioritizing player safety, academic scheduling, and regulatory uniformity.

The details

The proposal included structured joint practices, limited-contact guidelines, and a spring exhibition that would not count toward the regular season. Both coaching staffs were disappointed by the NCAA's decision, especially given the growing national conversation about innovating the spring football format. Colorado head coach Deion Sanders has publicly supported external competition to sharpen player development, while Syracuse saw the opportunity as a way to energize its offseason and gain valuable reps against unfamiliar schemes.

  • In 2026, Colorado and Syracuse submitted a waiver request to the NCAA for the joint spring game proposal.
  • This marks the second consecutive year the NCAA has denied the proposal.

The players

Deion Sanders

The head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, who has publicly supported innovation in the spring football format.

Division I FBS Oversight Committee

The NCAA committee that denied the Colorado-Syracuse joint spring game proposal, citing current legislation that prohibits FBS programs from conducting spring practices or scrimmages against outside opponents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The NCAA is currently reviewing broader calendar reforms, but until official legislation changes, outside spring competition remains off-limits.

The takeaway

The NCAA's decision to deny the Colorado-Syracuse joint spring game proposal highlights the governing body's focus on maintaining structural consistency across programs, prioritizing player safety, academic scheduling, and regulatory uniformity. While fans may see the cancellation as overly bureaucratic, the NCAA views it as preserving order within a rapidly evolving college football landscape.