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Spring football is back, and it still matters a lot in college football. Teams use this time to build depth, test new players, and fix weak spots. The NCAA allows 15 practices over a 34-day period. Most programs end this stretch with a spring game. These games are often open to fans and give a first look at the team before the fall season.
Things feel a bit different in 2026. The spring transfer portal window is gone. That change has made some teams more open to holding real spring games again. Still, not every program is doing the same thing. Some teams will stick to closed scrimmages. Others may skip a spring game to avoid injuries or hide new schemes. New coaching staffs are also a big reason. They do not want rivals to study early footage.
Even with those changes, many Big Ten teams are sticking to tradition. Below is the full Big Ten spring schedule for 2026.
MORE: Joel Klatt reveals his top 10 head coaches in college football
Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Preston Stone (8) drops back to pass against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Camp start: TBD
Spring game: TBD
Northwestern is one of the few programs without confirmed details yet. That usually means internal decisions are still being made. It could be tied to roster changes or coaching plans.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) hands the ball to running back Ja’shon Benjamin (20) during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 27
Spring game: TBD
Rutgers has locked in its practice window but has not announced a spring game date. This suggests they may adjust plans later. A scrimmage setup is also possible.
Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 23
Spring game: TBD
Illinois is in a similar spot. Practice begins on time, but the spring game is not confirmed. That could change closer to April.
USC Trojans wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane (8) is congratulated by wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) after catching a touchdown pass in the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 3
Spring game: April 4
USC is one of the earliest teams to wrap up spring. The early April finish gives them extra time before summer workouts. This setup is common for programs that want a longer offseason break.
MORE: Most sensitive college football fanbases ranked
Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 3
Spring game: April 11
Purdue begins early and finishes early. That gives coaches a quick look at the roster. It also helps players recover sooner.
Michigan Wolverines running back Bryson Kuzdzal (24) rushes with the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 17
Spring game: April 18
Michigan sticks to a balanced schedule. The mid-April game is a common choice across the conference.
Michigan State Spartans quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) hands the ball off during a game against the Iowa Hawkeyes Nov. 22, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Camp start: March 17
Spring game: April 18
Michigan State mirrors Michigan’s timeline. Both programs will likely draw strong fan turnout for their spring games.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates after he runs for a touchdown during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 10
Spring game: April 18
Ohio State remains one of the biggest spring game draws. The April 18 date lines up with peak spring football activity.
Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) against the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 26
Spring game: April 23
Indiana starts later than most teams. The April 23 finish gives them a shorter but focused practice window.
Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 23
Spring game: April 25
Iowa stays consistent with a late April game. That allows more time for position battles to develop.
MORE: College football teams boasting most QB depth in 2026
Maryland Terrapins quarterback Malik Washington (7) drops back to pass during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at SECU Stadium. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 24
Spring game: April 25
Maryland follows a similar path to Iowa. The late spring game helps evaluate younger players.
Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) and offensive lineman Ashton Beers (78) take the field before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Huntington Bank Stadium. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 24
Spring game: April 25
Minnesota also wraps up on April 25. This date is one of the busiest in the Big Ten calendar.
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 12
Spring game: April 25
Oregon gets a full practice stretch. The program will likely use the game to test both sides of the ball in depth.
Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) celebrates with quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer (17) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Beaver Stadium. Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 24
Spring game: April 25
Penn State’s spring game is always a major event. The late April date gives fans a strong preview of the roster.
MORE: Top 10 transfer portal QBs in college football
Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Carter Smith (5) looks to throw against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 19
Spring game: April 30
Wisconsin pushes into the end of April. This longer window helps install systems and build chemistry.
Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after he makes a reception in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 31
Spring game: May 1
Washington starts late and finishes in May. This is one of the latest spring games in the conference.
UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer (3) carries the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Camp start: April 2
Spring game: May 2
UCLA has the latest confirmed spring game. The late schedule gives them extra prep time compared to others.
Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Camp start: Feb. 21
Spring game: March 28
Nebraska starts earlier than every other Big Ten team. Their spring game is also the earliest. This gives them a long break before summer.
Not every program is fully committed to a traditional spring game. Some teams want to avoid injuries. Others prefer to keep new systems private. New coaches are careful about showing too much. A few programs may go with closed scrimmages instead. Stadium construction can also play a role in some cases.
Spring football still plays a big role in shaping the season. The Big Ten schedule shows a mix of early and late timelines. Some teams stay traditional. Others are more careful. Fans will still get a good look at many programs before fall.
Continue reading...
Things feel a bit different in 2026. The spring transfer portal window is gone. That change has made some teams more open to holding real spring games again. Still, not every program is doing the same thing. Some teams will stick to closed scrimmages. Others may skip a spring game to avoid injuries or hide new schemes. New coaching staffs are also a big reason. They do not want rivals to study early footage.
Even with those changes, many Big Ten teams are sticking to tradition. Below is the full Big Ten spring schedule for 2026.
MORE: Joel Klatt reveals his top 10 head coaches in college football
18. Northwestern Wildcats
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Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Preston Stone (8) drops back to pass against the Southern California Trojans during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Camp start: TBD
Spring game: TBD
Northwestern is one of the few programs without confirmed details yet. That usually means internal decisions are still being made. It could be tied to roster changes or coaching plans.
17. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
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Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) hands the ball to running back Ja’shon Benjamin (20) during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 27
Spring game: TBD
Rutgers has locked in its practice window but has not announced a spring game date. This suggests they may adjust plans later. A scrimmage setup is also possible.
16. Illinois Fighting Illini
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Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 23
Spring game: TBD
Illinois is in a similar spot. Practice begins on time, but the spring game is not confirmed. That could change closer to April.
15. USC Trojans
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USC Trojans wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane (8) is congratulated by wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) after catching a touchdown pass in the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 3
Spring game: April 4
USC is one of the earliest teams to wrap up spring. The early April finish gives them extra time before summer workouts. This setup is common for programs that want a longer offseason break.
MORE: Most sensitive college football fanbases ranked
14. Purdue Boilermakers
You must be registered for see images attach
Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Ryan Browne (15) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 3
Spring game: April 11
Purdue begins early and finishes early. That gives coaches a quick look at the roster. It also helps players recover sooner.
13. Michigan Wolverines
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Michigan Wolverines running back Bryson Kuzdzal (24) rushes with the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 17
Spring game: April 18
Michigan sticks to a balanced schedule. The mid-April game is a common choice across the conference.
12. Michigan State Spartans
You must be registered for see images attach
Michigan State Spartans quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) hands the ball off during a game against the Iowa Hawkeyes Nov. 22, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa.
Camp start: March 17
Spring game: April 18
Michigan State mirrors Michigan’s timeline. Both programs will likely draw strong fan turnout for their spring games.
11. Ohio State Buckeyes
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates after he runs for a touchdown during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 10
Spring game: April 18
Ohio State remains one of the biggest spring game draws. The April 18 date lines up with peak spring football activity.
10. Indiana Hoosiers
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Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) against the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 26
Spring game: April 23
Indiana starts later than most teams. The April 23 finish gives them a shorter but focused practice window.
9. Iowa Hawkeyes
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Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 23
Spring game: April 25
Iowa stays consistent with a late April game. That allows more time for position battles to develop.
MORE: College football teams boasting most QB depth in 2026
8. Maryland Terrapins
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Maryland Terrapins quarterback Malik Washington (7) drops back to pass during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at SECU Stadium. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 24
Spring game: April 25
Maryland follows a similar path to Iowa. The late spring game helps evaluate younger players.
7. Minnesota Golden Gophers
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Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) and offensive lineman Ashton Beers (78) take the field before the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Huntington Bank Stadium. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 24
Spring game: April 25
Minnesota also wraps up on April 25. This date is one of the busiest in the Big Ten calendar.
6. Oregon Ducks
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Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 12
Spring game: April 25
Oregon gets a full practice stretch. The program will likely use the game to test both sides of the ball in depth.
5. Penn State Nittany Lions
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Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) celebrates with quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer (17) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Beaver Stadium. Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 24
Spring game: April 25
Penn State’s spring game is always a major event. The late April date gives fans a strong preview of the roster.
MORE: Top 10 transfer portal QBs in college football
4. Wisconsin Badgers
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Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Carter Smith (5) looks to throw against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 19
Spring game: April 30
Wisconsin pushes into the end of April. This longer window helps install systems and build chemistry.
3. Washington Huskies
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Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after he makes a reception in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Camp start: March 31
Spring game: May 1
Washington starts late and finishes in May. This is one of the latest spring games in the conference.
2. UCLA Bruins
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UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer (3) carries the ball against the Southern California Trojans in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Camp start: April 2
Spring game: May 2
UCLA has the latest confirmed spring game. The late schedule gives them extra prep time compared to others.
1. Nebraska Cornhuskers
You must be registered for see images attach
Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Camp start: Feb. 21
Spring game: March 28
Nebraska starts earlier than every other Big Ten team. Their spring game is also the earliest. This gives them a long break before summer.
Why some teams may skip spring games in 2026
Not every program is fully committed to a traditional spring game. Some teams want to avoid injuries. Others prefer to keep new systems private. New coaches are careful about showing too much. A few programs may go with closed scrimmages instead. Stadium construction can also play a role in some cases.
Conclusion
Spring football still plays a big role in shaping the season. The Big Ten schedule shows a mix of early and late timelines. Some teams stay traditional. Others are more careful. Fans will still get a good look at many programs before fall.
Continue reading...
