NCAA rejects latest Colorado-Syracuse joint spring game proposal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NCAA has denied a waiver request from Deion Sanders and Colorado and Syracuse that would have allowed the programs to hold joint spring practices in 2026, according to USA TODAY Sports.
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Under current NCAA legislation, spring games or practices between two Football Bowl Subdivision programs are prohibited unless specific relief is granted. The NCAA Division I FBS Oversight Committee voted during a Jan. 22 video conference to reject the request, citing an ongoing comprehensive review of the college football calendar.
Sanders and Syracuse coach Fran Brown had proposed a joint practice format modeled after the NFL, where teams frequently practice against one another during training camp. Sanders previously described the concept as a potential “pilot program” that could modernize spring football.
The Buffaloes and Orange also sought similar relief in 2025. That request was denied because it was submitted late in the spring practice window. This year’s proposal was filed earlier but was rejected for broader policy reasons.
Committee chair Mark Alnutt, the athletic director at the University at Buffalo, told USA TODAY Sports the group did not want to grant an exception for two schools while a subcommittee conducts a “deep dive” into potential calendar changes, including the structure of spring practice.
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“Circumstances do not warrant relief of the legislation,” the NCAA wrote in its rationale.
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The governing body left open the possibility of future changes, noting a subgroup may consider legislation that would permit joint practices across the membership.
Colorado will not appeal the decision. Syracuse will hold its annual spring game April 11, while Colorado opens spring practice March 2.
