The Oklahoma Sooners have announced a significant change to their Spring Game, promising an exciting new format for fans.

As the college football season approaches, every fanbase eagerly anticipates the annual spring game—a showcase event that gives fans a first glimpse of the team’s progress as it heads into the fall. For the Oklahoma Sooners, one of the most storied programs in college football, this year’s spring game is set to be different in ways that have fans buzzing with excitement. The university recently announced a significant change to the traditional format of the game, promising a fresh and thrilling experience for supporters and players alike.

Historically, spring games have been a chance for teams to experiment with different strategies, give younger players valuable experience, and provide an early look at the talent on the roster. For fans, it has typically been a more laid-back, practice-like event where everyone—coaches, players, and fans alike—can get a feel for the upcoming season. But in 2025, Oklahoma has decided to break from tradition and usher in a new era for their spring game.

While the specifics of the change have been slowly unveiled, one thing is clear: this year’s event will be unlike anything Sooner fans have seen before. From the new format and enhanced fan interaction to the revamped atmosphere, the changes reflect the team’s evolving ambitions and commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience.

A New Format: Moving Away from the Traditional Scrimmage

In the past, Oklahoma’s spring games followed a fairly traditional format. The event typically consisted of a basic intra-squad scrimmage where the first-string offense would face off against the first-string defense, the second-string offense against the second-string defense, and so on. The team would rotate through different offensive and defensive lineups, allowing coaches to assess how players performed in a game-like setting. While this format allowed fans to see individual performances, it often lacked the spectacle and excitement that could make the event truly special.

This year, the Sooners are shaking things up by completely revamping the game’s structure. Gone are the days of the standard scrimmage. Instead, Oklahoma’s spring game will feature a new competitive format that will emphasize entertainment, fan involvement, and excitement, all while still giving coaches a chance to evaluate their players. The Sooners are introducing several key elements to create a dynamic atmosphere that will attract fans both in the stadium and watching from home.

Introducing Team Drafts and New Divisions

One of the most exciting changes announced by head coach Brent Venables and his coaching staff is the introduction of team drafts. Instead of a simple scrimmage, the Oklahoma coaching staff will hold a draft to split the players into two teams. The rosters will be divided up in a way that mixes veteran talent with emerging stars, creating two evenly matched squads. This change brings an added layer of excitement as fans will not know which players will be on which team until the draft takes place. The draft will also allow players to compete against their teammates in a more competitive and energetic environment, making it feel more like a real game.

The draft concept is designed to inject some unpredictability into the spring game and make it more entertaining for both players and fans. It breaks away from the familiar monotony of seeing the first-team offense battle the first-team defense, and it provides a chance for under-the-radar players to step into the spotlight alongside established stars.

For fans, the draft adds an element of surprise and intrigue. Who will be paired up with whom? What type of chemistry will develop between players who aren’t used to being on the same side? These questions will be answered in real-time, adding a fresh, suspenseful element to the game.

Moreover, the format allows for more balanced teams, which increases the likelihood of a more competitive and thrilling game. With players scattered across two squads, the Sooners’ coaching staff will get to see how their athletes adjust to different lineups and play styles.

Fan Participation and Enhanced In-Stadium Experience

In keeping with the theme of change, Oklahoma has promised that this year’s spring game will include more fan participation than ever before. While fans have always been welcome to cheer on their team from the stands, this year the Sooners are looking to make the game more interactive and engaging.

For starters, fans will be given an opportunity to vote on certain aspects of the game. Through social media platforms and the Oklahoma athletics app, fans can weigh in on things like which players should be highlighted during the game or even vote on special game-day challenges for the players. This could include fun competitions like a fan-voted “fastest 40-yard dash” or a special skills competition between quarterbacks and wide receivers. By engaging fans in the process, the Sooners are ensuring that the spring game is not just an exhibition for the players but also an interactive event that brings the entire fanbase into the action.

The in-stadium atmosphere will also be drastically improved with the addition of special event zones and interactive fan areas. These zones will be designed to give fans a unique experience before and after the game, including opportunities to meet players, take photos, and interact with team mascots and cheerleaders. For Oklahoma’s passionate fanbase, these enhanced experiences will create a festival-like atmosphere around the spring game, turning the event into a full day of fun, entertainment, and Oklahoma pride.

Oklahoma has also planned to introduce live music performances, fan giveaways, and interactive activities for children, ensuring that the event is family-friendly and fun for people of all ages. Whether you’re there for the football or simply enjoying a day at the stadium, the new format will make it an experience to remember.

A Competitive Atmosphere and Increased Focus on Player Development

Despite the shift toward a more fan-centric atmosphere, the new format will not detract from the primary goal of the spring game—player development. As much as this event is a celebration of the Sooners’ rich football history and dedicated fanbase, it remains a critical moment for evaluating players and assessing the team’s readiness for the upcoming season.

For head coach Brent Venables, the new structure of the spring game will allow his coaching staff to see how players perform under game-like pressure. With a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming stars competing on separate teams, the coaching staff will be able to evaluate how players adjust to different roles and play styles. The added competitive nature of the draft and the randomized team rosters will also help coaches identify potential weaknesses in their players’ game and give them the opportunity to refine their strategies for the regular season.

“We’re looking for a competitive environment that will really push our players to elevate their performances,” said Venables. “The spring game is an opportunity for our athletes to showcase everything they’ve been working on in the offseason. We want to see who can step up in high-pressure moments and who’s ready to take on more responsibility as we head into the season.”

Venables also emphasized that the spring game provides a chance for younger players to shine. With some of the team’s more experienced players split between the two draft teams, emerging players will be given an opportunity to show what they can do in front of a packed stadium. The added competitive nature of the draft gives these younger athletes a platform to prove themselves and make their case for a larger role on the team come the fall.

The Broader Impact of the New Format

The decision to drastically change the Oklahoma Sooners’ spring game format is not just about improving the experience for fans—it’s also part of a broader effort to build excitement around the program as the team heads into the new season. For Oklahoma, the spring game serves as a critical time to build momentum, generate fan engagement, and create anticipation for the upcoming year.

By introducing a fresh, unpredictable format, Oklahoma is signaling to its fanbase that they are committed to evolving with the times. The Sooners are no longer just about tradition—they are about creating memorable experiences that excite fans and players alike. This move also helps solidify the team’s place as a forward-thinking powerhouse in college football, one that understands the importance of community, fan engagement, and staying ahead of the curve.

In an era where fan expectations are higher than ever, Oklahoma’s shift in approach reflects a larger trend in college football. Teams are recognizing the importance of fan interaction and entertainment as key components of success. By blending tradition with innovation, the Sooners are ensuring that their spring game remains an iconic event in college football while still staying relevant and engaging to modern audiences.