Get ready for a potential game-changer in college football. The NCAA is deep in discussions about a massive overhaul to one of the sport's most debated rules: targeting. According to a bombshell report from The Athletic, the governing body is seriously considering scrapping the rule that forces players ejected for second-half targeting to sit out the first half of their next game. This seismic shift could be implemented as soon as the 2026 season.
The Controversial Carryover
For years, the targeting penalty has been a lightning rod for controversy. While the NCAA's intent to protect players from dangerous head-to-head hits is universally supported, the application of the rule often sparks heated debate. The current punishment is severe: a 15-yard penalty, an immediate ejection, and if the foul occurs in the second half, the player must also miss the first half of the following contest. This 'carryover suspension' has had tangible consequences on the field, even affecting the national championship stage.
The report highlights a prime example from this past season. Miami cornerback Xavier Lucas was forced to watch from the sidelines for the first half of the title game against Indiana after a targeting call in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal against Ole Miss. Instances like this have fueled the fire for critics who argue the punishment doesn't always fit the crime, especially for borderline or inadvertent hits.
What's on the Table?
So, what exactly is being proposed? Per sources, the NCAA Football Rules Committee is weighing a significant modification. The leading idea is to remove the carryover suspension specifically for first-time offenders penalized for targeting in the second half. The core in-game punishment—the 15-yard walk-off and ejection—would remain firmly in place.
However, the committee isn't looking to go soft on repeat offenders. The proposal suggests that players flagged for targeting multiple times within a single season could face even harsher, escalating penalties. This creates a clearer distinction between a one-time mistake and a pattern of dangerous play.
In a related and somewhat lighter note, the committee also aims to finally start enforcing the existing rule against illegal equipment, specifically so-called 'short-shorts.' This move signals a broader effort to tidy up the game's aesthetics and uniform standards alongside the major safety discussion.
The Road to a Final Decision
This isn't a done deal yet. The rules committee is currently in the proposal phase, having discussed the changes in meetings this week. The next step involves a crucial period of gathering feedback from coaches, athletic directors, and other stakeholders throughout the month of March. Final decisions on all proposed rule changes are expected to be announced after this feedback window closes.
The potential change represents a nuanced approach to player safety. It maintains the immediate, in-game deterrent for dangerous hits while addressing the frustration over a suspension that affects a completely different contest. It acknowledges that a player's mistake in a season's penultimate game shouldn't necessarily alter the championship landscape.
Will the carryover suspension become a relic of college football history? The sports world will be watching closely as the NCAA deliberates this significant step. One thing is certain: the conversation around protecting players while preserving the spirit of the game is about to enter a new, critical chapter.
