The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel has approved several significant modifications to the college football rulebook, set to take effect for the 2025-26 season. These changes aim to address various aspects of the game, including player safety, game flow, and curbing tactical exploitation of rules.
Key Rule Changes for 2025
- Injury Timeout Modifications: This is one of the most talked-about changes.1 If a player presents as injured after the ball has been spotted for the next play, their team will be charged a timeout. If no timeouts remain, a 5-yard delay-of-game penalty will be assessed. This rule seeks to deter players from faking injuries to stop momentum or avoid using a timeout.2Source: NCAA.org – Changes to injury timeouts approved in football
- Overtime Timeout Adjustments: In games that reach a third overtime, each team will now be allowed only one timeout for the remainder of the game.3 Previously, teams received one timeout per overtime period. This aims to keep the action moving once games extend into multiple extra periods, especially as teams begin alternating 2-point plays in the third overtime.Source: NCAA.org – Changes to injury timeouts approved in football
- Instant Replay Announcement Simplification: Referees will now only use the terms “upheld” or “overturned” when announcing replay decisions.4 The terms “confirmed” and “stands” will no longer be used. This change is intended to streamline the announcement process and remove any potential ambiguity.Source: NCAA.org – Changes to injury timeouts approved in football
- Punt Formation Adjustments: New rules govern player alignment on punts. No offensive player can be in the direct line of the snap to the potential kicker or within the frame of the snapper for the formation to qualify as a scrimmage kick formation.5 If not in a scrimmage kick formation, a team must have five players numbered 50-79 on the line of scrimmage. Additionally, if the snapper is at the end of the line, they lose scrimmage kick protection, allowing a defensive player to line up over them.6Source: NCAA.org – Changes to injury timeouts approved in football
- Kickoff Return Team Signal: If any player on a kickoff-return team makes a “T” signal with their arms during the kick, the play will be whistled dead, and the team gives up its right to return.7 This provides a clear signal for officials and opposing players.Source: NCAA.org – Changes to injury timeouts approved in football
- Disconcerting Signals and Defensive Cadence: Enhanced rules target simulating action at the snap and using words or signals that distract opponents.8 No player can call defensive signals that simulate offensive signals or cadence. The defensive terms “move” and “stem” are now reserved exclusively for defensive players and cannot be used by the offense.9Source: NCAA.org – Changes to injury timeouts approved in football
- Penalty for Too Many Players on Defense (After Two-Minute Timeout): If, after the two-minute timeout in either half, the defense commits a foul with 12 or more players on the field and all players participate in the play, a 5-yard penalty will be administered.10 The offensive team will also have the option to reset the game clock back to the time at the start of the play. If the 12th player is attempting to leave the field and has no influence on the play, a 5-yard penalty is assessed with no clock adjustment.11Source: NCAA.org – Changes to injury timeouts approved in football
- Coach-to-Player Communication (FCS): Similar to the technology implemented for the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) last year, coach-to-player communication via helmet will now be an optional rule for teams in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).Source: NCAA.org – Changes to injury timeouts approved in football
These rules aim to create a more fair, efficient, and safer game for all involved. How do you think these changes will impact the upcoming season?
Disclaimer: This information was researched and curated with the assistance of AI, but reviewed and verified by a human.
