On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
For years, Alabama fans have packed Bryant-Denny Stadium on a Saturday in April to get a preview of what to expect of its team in the fall. This spring, the Crimson Tide faithful might get a little something different according to head coach Kalen DeBoer.
“A lot of times here, the A-Day Game, it’s been more of a practice, and there’s been some scrimmaging, not necessarily much of a game,” he told On3. “Even when I was at Fresno State, we called it the spring preview. Especially this year, there’s some things we’re working through with some injuries and so forth. So it’ll definitely be modified. We want to try to have some type of event around April 12.”
“I understand why some of the programs are doing things they’re doing,” the Alabama head coach said. “We certainly understand the impact that putting things out there for the whole world to see, what that can do, especially related to the transfer portal, whether it’s guys in or guys out. I get all of that, and I know there are different reasons for different programs.”
Alabama is following the road that many other programs have gone down since the dangers of losing players to the spring transfer portal window have appeared. Officially, Nebraska, Texas, Ohio State, and USC have canceled their spring football games, choosing not to allow their players to be showcased. Many coaches fear that spring games give opposing coaches a free chance to see their players and begin to tamper.
"I think it's really, fundamentally -- I hate to say it like this -- it's really because last year we were one of the more televised spring games, and I dealt with a lot of people offering our players a lot of opportunities after that," Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said in February. "To go out and bring in a bunch of new players and showcase them for all the other schools to watch, that doesn't make a lot of sense to me."
More must-reads:
- Mets announce unexpected Opening Day starter
- Report: Giants have submitted better offer to Aaron Rodgers than Steelers
- The 'Active NBA players with the most 20-point games in a season' quiz
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Oregon's top recruit and the No. 1 tight end in the country has shut down his recruitment in great news for the Ducks
Oregon's top recruit in the 2026 recruiting class is reportedly locked in. Kendre Harrison, an elite tight end and two-sport athlete that also dominates on the basketball court, is fully committed to the Ducks. Still with about nine months to go until early signing day, Harrison has reportedly shut down his recruitment, and is fully committed to Oregon. "What's understood don't have to be explained. I'M HOME. SCO DUCKS," Harrison told Hayes Fawcett of On3. The 6'6" 250 lbs tight end is the top tight end in the country, and has the possibility to be a massive weapon for the Oregon offense for years to come, especially in an offense that enjoys utilizing the tight end position on a variety of routes, both down the field and on screens at the line of scrimmage. Harrison is the headliner in what is currently the top recruiting class in the country, with the Ducks battling for the top spot with USC. Dan Lanning has been linked to some of the top prospects in the country, like the No. 1 overall player, offensive lineman Jackson Cantwell and a slew of others. Lanning is aiming to get another elite recruiting class across the finish line, with a big spring and summer of recruiting and official visits ahead. A year after landing the nation's No. 1 wide receiver in Dakorien Moore, seemingly having Harrison locked in and ready to join the flock has Oregon building quite a unit of top-end playmakers.
Steelers quickly losing Aaron Rodgers bidding war to Giants
As of Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t know their starting quarterback for the 2025 season. At this point, 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers appears to be the team’s primary focus. They would have already negotiated a deal if Pittsburgh were interested in running it back with Russell Wilson. Their view of Rodgers compared to Wilson is pretty telling. The issue is that Rodgers is taking his time, which is starting to seriously stress out the organizations interested in his services — and their fans. The Steelers’ main competitor in the Rodgers sweepstakes appears to be the New York Giants. New York has been aggressive in its pursuit, and if the Steelers truly want Rodgers under center in 2025, they may have to step up their efforts before the Giants lock him in. Pittsburgh’s hesitation could cost them, and if Rodgers ultimately chooses New York, the Steelers will be left scrambling for a backup plan. Whether that means pivoting back to Wilson, turning to the draft, or exploring another option entirely, the Steelers are quickly approaching a crucial decision point. On Friday, NFL insider Dianna Russini told Chase Daniel on the Scoop City Podcast that the Giants are the highest bidder. That’s a significant development, as it suggests that New York is making a stronger financial push for Rodgers, something Pittsburgh may not be willing or able to match. If the Steelers aren’t prepared to compete with the Giants' offer, they could find themselves on the outside looking in as Rodgers makes his decision. "From what I understand, the New York Giants are the team right now that have offered the most [money]," Russini said. When Mike Florio first floated his educated guess that Rodgers could command a two-year, $90 million deal, Steelers fans laughed it off. The idea of paying a 41-year-old quarterback $45 million per season seemed outrageous. Nevertheless, Florio defended his estimate, arguing that the number isn't as far-fetched as it might seem when you compare Rodgers’ potential contract to what other quarterbacks are making around the league. The issue is that committing such a massive sum to a quarterback at Rodgers’ age is a serious gamble. While he’s a four-time MVP, he’s also one season removed from coming off an Achilles injury, making any financial commitment even riskier. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo weighed in on Thursday night, offering his educated guess that Rodgers could land a deal worth at least $30 million annually. Both figures are steep, but there’s a significant difference between $30 million and $45 million per season. Some Steelers fans might be able to stomach the lower number, especially if it means securing a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback. But if Rodgers insists on the kind of deal Florio suggested, Pittsburgh may have to decide whether he’s worth that level of investment — or if it’s time to look elsewhere. Steelers being outbid by Giants is scary Rodgers claimed he wanted to join a good team, and when comparing rosters, the Steelers are the more talented squad. However, money talks and Rodgers has never shied away from the spotlight. He’s made it clear he’s in no rush to decide, leaving teams and fans in limbo. NFL analysts and insiders have consistently stated that the only way Rodgers would choose the Giants over the Steelers is if New York offered a deal Pittsburgh wasn’t willing to match. Now that reports indicate that’s exactly what’s happening, Steelers fans wonder if the Giants are about to swoop in and steal their quarterback for the 2025 season. Rodgers' decision is dragging out, adding to the anxiety in Pittsburgh, where the quarterback situation remains unsettled. There’s been plenty of debate about what the Steelers should do, but at this point, Steeler Nation wants clarity. Whether it’s Rodgers or another option, the team needs to lock in a starting quarterback for 2025 and move forward.
Craig Berube has jaw-dropping comments on Maple Leafs, entire NHL
Craig Berube has been the Maple Leafs boss for just this season, and he believes the they have a target on their back. In Craig Berube's first season as a Toronto Maple Leaf, the supporting cast looks very different than the 2023-24 team. With just two points separating them from the top of the Atlantic Division, it appears the changes in the lineup and behind the bench have worked wonders. The Stanley Cup-winning head coach has made his mark on the Maple Leafs, and with so much talent, they believe this could finally be their season. It's not easy, however, and according to Berube, the situation in Toronto is so much more difficult than anywhere else that he believes the rest of the NHL has put a target on the Leafs' back. "I find the Toronto Maple Leafs have a target on their back every night, it seems like. We don't get an easy game, especially at home here. These teams all come into Toronto, and a lot of the players are from here. They get geared up to play us. It is a tough night every night with the Leafs." This is similar to what his predecessor expressed after being fired by Toronto last summer. Sheldon Keefe noted the immense differences between coaching in New Jersey than in Toronto, with the lack of a spotlight being a huge difference for him. That doesn't mean a team can't win in Toronto, but it does mean that opposing teams often play their best against the Maple Leafs. With Berube's latest comments, it's clear how tough it can be on this Leafs team.
'It's Pittsburgh 10 out of 10 times': Steelers fans get inspiring message as Aaron Rodgers could help organization turn the corner
The Pittsburgh Steelers are still trying to resolve their quarterback issue after the organization lost out on both Justin Fields and Sam Darnold during the legal tampering period of free agency. The organization's current top option is Aaron Rodgers, with Russell Wilson likely falling in somewhere behind him. Rodgers is speaking with both the Steelers and the New York Giants, and the quarterback is deciding where to go next as the NFL world awaits his decision. Rodgers had a rough couple of seasons with the New York Jets, and some believed the quarterback would retire after the 2024 season. He has made it clear he wants to continue playing, and he will likely be in either New York or Pittsburgh in 2025. The Steelers are the superior team and organization, but negotiations between the franchise and the veteran have not been going extremely well. Regardless of that, Kyle Brandt of "Good Morning Football" believes the decision should be a no-brainer for Rodgers. "If I'm Rodgers and I've got both these guys vying for me, I'm going to Pittsburgh," Brandt said. "I'm going to Pittsburgh. Why? Because the Giants to me, aside from the same stadium, the Giants feel like the Jets. We have a hungry coach who is likable and hasn't really gotten it done yet like we did last year, we got a very young, talented wide receiver like we did last year that everybody's talking about. I don't think there is much else there though. They haven't had their act together." Brandt believes Rodgers would be making the same mistake by deciding to stay in New York. It is all the same. Two of the worst franchises in the NFL over the last decade, and the Giants don't seem to have any optimism moving forward outside of Malik Nabers. Head coach Brian Daboll has had two consecutive unsuccessful seasons with New York after winning a playoff game his first year, but it is not a stable organization for Rodgers to end his career with. The Steelers aren't all that either as of late, but the organization is more stable and consistent than New York. Pittsburgh has been searching for an answer at quarterback ever since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, and Rodgers might be able to provide the best play at the position since 2021. Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season, but Rodgers could be the quarterback to get that to change. Brandt continued to speak on why the veteran should choose Pittsburgh. "I'm going to Pittsburgh, because obviously the weapons are impressive," Brandt said. "Also, it's like immediately, is TJ Watt the best defensive player Rodgers has played with since Charles Woodson? Probably. I think Mike Tomlin is so different than Robert Saleh or Brian Daboll, a guy who is so established. He has a Super Bowl ring, he would have another one if it were not for Rodgers. I think the Steelers fans more than anything crave different. Please break the mold." The ceiling the Steelers would have with Rodgers is high, as the quarterback won the NFL's MVP Award as recently as 2021. He will probably play better than he did in New York due to the weapons Pittsburgh has and the consistency on the coaching staff. The expectations in Pittsburgh are also significantly different than in New York. Steelers Could Land A High Draft Pick With Aaron Rodgers Rodgers led the Jets to a 5-12 record during the 2024 season. This doesn't mean that will happen in Pittsburgh, but there is the possibility. Rodgers could take the offense to the next level, but he can also bottom out like he did in 2024 and struggle. Brandt spoke about this being beneficial for Pittsburgh. "This thing. This Rodgers thing," Brandt continued. "Maybe it is Vikings-era [Brett] Favre. Maybe it is Broncos-era Peyton Manning. Maybe they do catch fire and change this thing, or, maybe they go 5-12, and that might not be the worst thing going into next year. For once you can actually have a decent draft pick. It's Pittsburgh 10 out of 10 times." The veteran quarterback gives the Steelers a chance to succeed, while he also gives Pittsburgh a chance to finally be in a good spot when the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around. A large portion of the fan base has been begging for a decent draft pick, as the long stretch of non-losing seasons has kept Pittsburgh picking in the late-teens and early 20s. A higher pick gives Pittsburgh a better chance of fixing the quarterback problem.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
