In a surprising twist, Syracuse football head coach Fran Brown has expressed interest in participating in joint practices with Colorado this spring. This idea was proposed by Colorado's coach Deion Sanders during a press conference on Monday. Sanders envisions the NCAA allowing such collaborative sessions and even turning Colorado's spring game into an inter-squad scrimmage akin to NFL preseason activities. Despite current NCAA regulations prohibiting teams from playing against each other during the spring, Brown remains enthusiastic about the possibility of sending his team to Boulder for a three-day training session.

Coach Fran Brown of Syracuse seems keen on adopting a philosophy reminiscent of his past coaching days when he worked at a school known for its open-minded basketball motto: "We'll play anybody, anytime, anywhere." Now, this same spirit appears to be extending to the realm of collegiate football. While discussing the potential benefits of cross-team practice, Brown highlighted the positive impact it could have on player development and team preparation for the upcoming season.

Deion Sanders, newly appointed as Colorado's head coach, is advocating for a change in NCAA policies that would allow for more innovative approaches to spring training. His vision includes not only joint practices but also transforming the traditional spring game into something more competitive and engaging. Although altering the NCAA's bylaws might take time, coaches like Brown are eager to explore these opportunities. Furthermore, Tremaine Jackson, Prairie View A&M's recently hired coach, shares similar sentiments, expressing curiosity about practicing against stronger opponents like Colorado.

Brown has repeatedly praised Sanders' work ethic and achievements since Sanders joined Colorado. Last November, Brown openly admired how Sanders revitalized the program and created a star-studded atmosphere around game days. This admiration extends beyond mere words; Syracuse's edge rushers coach, Nick Williams, who previously served under Sanders as Colorado’s defensive line coach in 2023, adds another layer of connection between the two programs.

While the feasibility of joint practices remains uncertain due to existing NCAA rules, the willingness of coaches like Brown to embrace new ideas signifies a shift towards progressive thinking in college sports. Such collaboration could redefine how teams prepare for their seasons, fostering greater competition and enhancing overall player performance.