The National Football Foundation announced changes for the 2026 season, including adjustments to targeting penalties and pass interference. Targeting penalties assessed in the second half of a game will no longer require the offending player to sit out the first half of their team’s next game.
Targeting Penalties
A player disqualified for targeting for the first time in the season may participate in the following game. The trial rule will apply regardless of which half the targeting penalty is called. A player who draws their second targeting penalty of the season will be required to miss the first half of the next game. A player who draws their third targeting penalty must sit out the full following game.
A conference can choose to initiate an appeals process after a player’s second targeting penalty. The appeal would be sent to the NCAA national coordinator of football officials for a video review. If the appeal is successful, the player would not be forced to sit out the first half of the following game.
Pass Interference
The penalty for offensive pass interference is being adjusted from 15 yards to 10 yards. The rules reserve 15-yard penalties primarily for personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct. Defensive pass interference will remain a spot foul, with a maximum of a 15-yard penalty.
In a change to align Division I rules with those in the NFL and high school, a team could choose to attempt a fair catch kick after a completed or awarded fair catch. The kick would be a place kick with a holder or a drop kick from the spot where the returner caught the ball. The defense would be at least 10 yards from the spot of the kick.
If the ensuing kick goes through the uprights, it would be worth three points. An automatic unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be called if a player initiates certain actions or gestures, such as simulating the brandishing of a weapon or removing their helmet after the ball is dead.
Other Changes
The head coach will now have two replay challenges per game. If a coach wins at least one of their first two challenges, they are awarded a third challenge. A challenge can be made only if the team has a timeout remaining and available; if the challenge is successful, the team’s timeout will not be charged.
Coach-to-player communications through the helmet are now permissible for all NCAA divisions. Helmet attachments that enhance player safety are allowed, and up to two sponsor patches are allowed on the jersey, with conference approval.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
