By Jay Berry
Like many college football programs across the country, the Sooners have decided to shift away from a traditional spring scrimmage. This spring the Sooners will host more of a fan- centric event.
During head coach Brent Venables’ inaugural season in 2022, the Sooners set a spring attendance record with 75,360. This year, the annual spring game will have a new format.
The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department announced it will debut a new fan-centric football event at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to replace OU’s traditional spring game. “Crimson Combine” will be held Saturday, April 12, beginning at 1 p.m. and will provide Sooners fans with a unique opportunity to engage with players and coaches.
According to SoonerSports.com, The event will showcase Oklahoma players and coaching staff as they participate in combine-style drills, skills challenges, and on-field fan engagement activities. Fans will have the chance to take part in autograph and photo opportunities, among other activities.
Additionally, attendees can look forward to hearing from key football staff members, including the new general manager, Jim Nagy, and offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle.
𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞 » a new spring football tradition!
🏈 Player drills & skills challenges
📸 Fan engagement, autographs & photos
🎙 Hear from GM Jim Nagy & OC Ben Arbuckle🎟 Tickets $10 » On sale March 6 at 10 a.m. CT
🔗 https://t.co/XnSf8vWxQH pic.twitter.com/HO6I45N1R2— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) March 3, 2025
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“This is a brand-new spring football tradition for our fans,” said OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione. “Crimson Combine will spotlight our players while also giving our fans the ability to get closer to the action and have the chance to engage directly with our team and coaching staff. We’re planning some unique activities that will highlight our players and provide high entertainment value for everyone in attendance.”
The decision comes as other major college football programs are changing with the new times of college athletics. Last year Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss showcased a dunk contest, 7-on-7, tug-of-war and a hotdog eating contest instead of a traditional game.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian announced last month that the Longhorns won’t hold a spring game either.
Several Big Ten programs including Nebraska, Ohio State and USC are also canceling spring games. Earlier this offseason, Huskers coach Matt Rhule mentioned tampering as a reason his team wouldn’t be hosting a spring game.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule says he 'highly doubts' there will be a traditional spring game.
"The word tampering doesn't exist anymore its just absolute free open common market…I don't want these guys all being able to watch our guys." #Huskers @KETV pic.twitter.com/lQsXHTgvUM
— Lauren Michelson (@LaurenMichelson) February 1, 2025
The newly named Crimson Combine will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. New general manager Jim Nagy and offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle will speak to fans during the event, according to the announcement.
“This is a brand-new spring football tradition for our fans,” Sooners athletic director Joe Castiglione said in a statement. “Crimson Combine will spotlight our players while also giving our fans the ability to get closer to the action and have the chance to engage directly with our team and coaching staff. We’re planning some unique activities that will highlight our players and provide high entertainment value for everyone in attendance.”
There will also be a Friday golf tournament and evening reception. The weekend will be part of the Sooners For Life spring weekend, which celebrates former Oklahoma student athletes. More information about the weekend will be available in the coming weeks.
