Samford football played in the inaugural spring football game on April 16 at Pete Hanna Stadium. Head coach John Grass led the era of Bulldogs in a fan-first exhibition game where the defense took home the win against the offense 34-20.
Hundreds of students and fans attended the event, which opened with remarks from Grass. He then gave the microphone to a coach who donned a red ringmaster costume and referred to himself as “T-Bone.” Described as the master of ceremonies, T-Bone kicked off the game after explaining the unique scoring system. The offense scored traditionally with touchdowns, extra points and field goals, while the defense earned points on stops, turnovers and punts.
When the game began, the defense quickly took advantage of those opportunities, forcing multiple punts. Freshman Lawson Estes intercepted a pass to help the defense take an early 13-0 lead.
Preston Bird was the first player to reach the end zone with a 10-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback James McGinn.
“I think Bird was the most explosive player out there on offense,” Grass said after the game.
The second half opened with a 36-yard run by sophomore quarterback Ryan Oliver, giving the offense its first lead of the game.
The offense had four quarterbacks rotating including McGinn, Oliver, junior Charlie Gilliams and senior Coulter Cleland.
“I thought we had solid competition this spring going in through to summer. I think we’re in a good place,” Grass said on the quarterback battle. “We’re very comfortable, with two guys, going in and operating, as fall comes about, but it’ll be a great competition when fall gets here.”
The offense looked to extend its lead, but freshman Corrion Tyson intercepted the ball to give the lead back to the defense. This interception also sparked a brief fight that brought multiple players off the sideline.
“The offense throws a pick, and yeah, we had a guy that made a kind of a bonehead play, Grass said referring to a blindside block. “We shouldn’t do that to our own teammates. I got a little bit upset about that. It’s not a smart football play… So, a young, immature mistake that we’ll clean up.”
With minutes left in the fourth quarter and down eight, the offense had one more opportunity to tie the game. Despite moving the ball into the defensive territory, the game ended with another Tyson interception to seal the score 34-20.
After the game, Grass celebrated his defense’s play.
“It creates some turnovers. That’s something you have to do defensively as we talk about taking the ball away. Offensively, we’ve got to protect the ball a little bit better, but I thought the turnovers were huge for the defense.”
For Grass, the game was not just about getting his players good practice but to bring fans to the game.
“The turnout was amazing. I tip my hat to our players and our staff. They went out on campus and recruited and sold the spring game. Our students did a really good job of showing up, but it’s just good to see.”
The game included additional entertainment for fans. Between quarters, different events were held for students, hosted by T-Bone. These included a 100-yard sprint, a two-point conversion competition between fraternities and a field goal contest for fans.
Student Jackson Gill, who attended every game in the fall, said, “I just like they’re trying to get people involved. Obviously, last year, the games, especially towards the end, were just pretty dead. So, it’s good to like to get the students involved and like excited about it.”
Grass emphasized the importance of fan support.
“In today’s world, it’s all about the fan experience.” Before the game began, he noted that he wants to see the largest student section per capita in the country and fill up both sides of the stadium.
Samford football will open its 2026 season against North Alabama in Huntsville on Aug. 29.
Sports Editor
