Football season is already in full swing at Scott Stadium, and as the leaves begin to change, cuffing season also takes to the field.
With October looming, the student body is solidly in the midst of the six cool-weather months where students competitively draft rosters of potential boyfriends, girlfriends, partners and sneaky links. Much like football, this cycle is chock-full of scouting, training and praying your top draft pick doesn't fumble during finals week — all while keeping an eye on who might be championship worthy in February.
At the University, cuffing season plays out in various arenas, from the Corner to the lecture halls, and there is just as much strategy involved as a nail-biter matchup under the floodlights.
Preseason scouting
Early September is when scouting began. For cuffing purposes, this meant reviewing summer flings, checking in on midsummer “practice reps” and deciding who’s worth bringing into the fall season. Did that long distance spark die out after the heat of July, or was it time to start scouting closer to Grounds? You also watched hours of film — in the form of Instagram stories — and sized up prospects in lecture halls that you could see fitting in with the team this semester.
Drafting and tryouts
October is draft time. Now it's time to decide who actually has potential versus who was just preseason hype. Tryouts happen everywhere, from coffee dates on the Corner to late nights at Coupe’s. Some recruits shine under pressure, inviting you to tag along with friends for Saturday buckets at Ellie’s, and others throw interceptions, forgetting to text you happy birthday. This is the time to learn who fits into your schedule, who makes you laugh and who makes the first cut. Just like coaches, students have to make tough calls to trim situationships down to a manageable lineup and avoid any unnecessary penalties.
Regular season
Once midterms have come and gone, it's game time. Exams hit, social calendars get messy and, later on, Thanksgiving adds the stress of distance. This is when stats matter — who’s your starting quarterback, and who’s warming the bench? Players with the most minutes are the ones who survive late-night study sessions in Shannon or agree to brave meeting the family over fall break. Consistency counts here, and without it, you risk losing your starter to another team’s roster.
Playoffs
December is the playoff bracket. Between study dates in the Newcomb Starbucks, walks on the Lawn post-LOTL and planning post-finals celebrations, cuffing season starts to come to a close with leading contenders. Playoffs demand more than consistency — what matters now is commitment. Consistency is about showing up regularly, but commitment means signaling that you’re in it for the long haul. One wrong move and the season could end right before New Year’s. Every play matters — a surprise Bodo’s delivery during finals is a clutch play, but forgetting to text back for days is a major fumble.
Bye weeks
During cuffing season, there isn’t just one bye week, but several — all over winter recess. Just like in playoff football, only the top-seeded teams get the break. However, there’s no telling whether this pause will recharge or weaken your roster. FaceTimes across time zones and consistent texting are essential, because with strong communication, your players are more than likely to make the finals. After winter break, some contenders make it back to Grounds with even more chemistry, while others are removed from the lineup before the spring semester even begins — whether because the break revealed weak communication or because someone found a new roster closer to home.
The Championship
The Super Bowl of cuffing season is — you guessed it — February 14, and not everyone makes it to kickoff. For those still in the game, Valentine’s Day is the ultimate matchup. This is where you bring out your best, most strategic plays — a dinner reservation downtown, a bouquet delivery at the front door or even a soft-launch on Instagram. Pull it off, and there will be confetti falling on the field.
At the University, cuffing season mirrors the classic American game we all know and love, brimming with heartbreak, disappointment and triumph. Whether you’re looking for fun or a long-term pick, draft wisely, play hard and remember — the wins and losses are part of the game, and if you walk away with a losing record, there’s always next season.
Read More
More miles, more problems
22 hours agoUltimately, students must decide for themselves whether having a car is worth the hassle, taking into account their own schedules and preferences.
Advising at the University: Accommodating or apathetic?
By Abby Snowdon | YesterdayMany University students find themselves frustrated with the advising process, citing confusion and a lack of personal connection and communication
My first retake: ‘Ex-Boyfriend 101’
By Madigan Wirkus | 3 days agoThough I am only freshly twenty, I cannot deny the overwhelming impact my ex has had on my life, marked by many firsts.
