Didn’t the season just end? Yep, it did. But now it’s time for Spring practice to begin. Things might look slightly different this Spring in the SEC, but we have you covered for all of your SEC Spring game dates and details.
SEC Tailgate Talk: SEC Spring Practice Dates & Cocktails
Texas and Alabama Take an “NFL Approach” to Spring Practice
Texas and Alabama, two of the SEC’s premier programs, are no strangers to sending players to the NFL. But for their 2025 Spring games, the NFL is coming to them—at least in spirit. Alabama’s Golden Flake A-Day Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 12. However, both the Crimson Tide and Longhorns are shifting their approach to align with NFL-style development, prioritizing structured practices over a traditional Spring game.
Kalen DeBoer explained that the shift will enable the Tide to focus on drills and development.“Our approach is going to be a little bit more NFL-driven, kind of more of an OTA style early on, and as we grow into more of the scrimmage formats in the second half of spring ball … I just don’t know if rolling the ball out, playing the game, when we only get 15 practices, is the best for us to maximize the opportunities that we get.”
Steve Sarkisian echoed similar sentiments.”I don’t know if rolling the ball out and playing the game when we only get 15 (spring) practices is the best for us,” Sarkisian said. “We’ve got 21 mid-year high school guys that just showed up, so the development needed to get these guys ready for the fall is a little bit different than it used to be,” Sarkisian told sportscaster Kay Adams. “So our approach is going to be a little more NFL-driven.”
Texas Athletic Director Chris Del Conte acknowledged the shift might disappoint some fans but stressed the bigger picture. “I know people are disappointed about a traditional game, but the ultimate goal is to win a championship, and the health and wellness of our student-athletes is most important,” he said. “It’s unusual, playing a 16-game schedule, but every year, we want to play that 17th game. I applaud Steve for his thinking. I understand the disappointment, but you have to look at it in its totality.” Texas has made it to the College Football Semifinals in the last two years.
Missouri “Under Construction”
Missouri is the only SEC team that will not hold a Spring game in 2025. The Tigers will have 13 total practices but no scrimmage, OTA, or even give out free high-fives to the fans. Why? Are other teams poaching their players? No, never. It wouldn’t happen. Would it? The official reason is construction. The team announced that due to the Memorial Stadium Centennial Project construction impacts during each of the next two off-seasons, Mizzou football will not be holding a Spring Game in 2025 or 2026. Not a great way to engage the fans or try to build off back-to-back ten-win seasons. For a conference that values the fan experience, it just means less in Columbia.
Kentucky Is Going To Do “Something” at their Spring Game
Kentucky was not great in 2024. The Wildcats were 1-7 in the league and, at times, looked lifeless. 2025 may or may not be different, but BBN will get its first look at the team on April 12. While the format is not finalized yet, Mark Stoops shared how the team is ready to do “something.” “I want to do something. It’s a little early. I think we’re in really good shape. Healthy right now. I want to open it up and show you guys and show the fans and make sure you guys and the fans get access,” Stoops told the media on Tuesday at Kroger Field. “Whether it’s a practice or Spring game. However, we format it. I want to do something.” Here’s to something. May it be everything.
Stark Vegas Has a Nice Little Weekend Planned
April 19th is shaping up to be a nice little weekend in Stark Vegas. While a trip to the Home Depot or Bed Bath and Beyond (if you have time, or they were still open) may not be on the list for Bulldog fans. Mississippi State fans will get their first look at the Bulldogs in 2025 during the Spring Game on Saturday, April 19.
Come for the football, but stay for the art and baseball. On Saturday, April 19, Starkville will also host The Cotton District Arts Festival, presented by the Starkville Area Arts Council. The festival blends incredible art, music, and food into a showcase event. Fans can also be treated to one of the best teams and baseball atmospheres in college baseball. Hail State hosts Florida for a three-game series at Dudy Noble Field. The games will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Missouri fans should take note of what an SEC Spring game weekend should look like.
Come to the Grove Bowl
While Texas and Alabama aim to mirror the NFL, Lane Kiffin continues to take a different approach. He has successfully turned the Rebels into one of the most intriguing teams in the SEC—not just for their performance on the field but also for his entertaining presence on social media. Last year, Kiffin made a smart move by transforming the traditional SEC Spring game into an engaging event for fans. The Grove Bowl is expected to return to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on April 19 this year.
The Grove Bowl Games will consist of four quarters of 7-on-7 flag football, with fan-friendly events between each quarter:
- Pre-game: A dunk contest kicks off the day.
- Quarter 1: 7-on-7 flag football.
- Intermission: A tug-of-war competition takes place between the first and second quarters.
- Halftime: A hot dog eating contest.
- Final Break: An obstacle course relay race will lead into the final quarter.
Other SEC Spring Game Dates
April 12
Please check individual team sites for all Spring game activities and events.
Auburn— “A-Day” (Bama 🤝 Auburn) will be held on Saturday, April 12.
Florida – The Orange & Blue Game, presented by Florida Victorious, kicks off at 1 p.m. inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Georgia – G-Day wraps up with an intra-squad scrimmage between the Red and Black teams at Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium.
Oklahoma – The Sooners’ Spring Practice will be held at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
LSU – The Tigers take the field inside Tiger Stadium.
Tennessee – The Orange & White Game will be hosted at Neyland Stadium.
Vanderbilt – The Commodores will hold their Black and Gold Spring Game.
April 18
Please check individual team site for all Spring game activities and events.
South Carolina – The Gamecocks will play under the lights on Friday, April 18. Coach Shane Beamer addressed any potential complaints about the Friday night schedule. “The Spring game is actually going to be on Friday, April 18. Just the way the calendar fell, we’re going to do a Friday night game this year. That’s also Easter weekend, so, again, before people complain, we tried to do it on Friday night. I get stuff every year about having it the same weekend of the (RBC) Heritage down in Hilton Head. So, now, you can go to the Spring game on Friday night, and you can go to Hilton Head on Saturday and Sunday.” Beamer is always good for a quote…to go with his whine and cheese.
April 19
Please check individual team sites for all Spring game activities and events.
Arkansas – The Razorbacks are expected to play their Spring game in Fayetteville.
Texas A&M – The Aggies will host their Spring game at 2 p.m.
Main Photo: Bruce Newman/Special to the Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
