Get ready for a seismic shift in how college football polices its most dangerous hits. In a move aimed at refining player safety measures while adjusting punitive consequences, the NCAA Division I Football Rules Subcommittee has put forward a groundbreaking proposal to dramatically alter the penalty structure for targeting fouls.
A Progressive Penalty System
The current rule, which mandates an automatic ejection and a suspension for the first half of the following game, has long been a source of intense debate. The new framework seeks to introduce a tiered, "three-strike" system that considers a player's entire season. Under the proposal, a first targeting penalty would no longer carry the next-game suspension. A player would be ejected from that contest but would be eligible to start and play the entirety of their next matchup.
The consequences ramp up sharply for repeat offenders. A second targeting foul in the same season would trigger the traditional penalty: ejection plus a suspension for the first half of the subsequent game. Should a player be flagged for a third time, the punishment escalates to a full-game suspension, forcing them to sit out the next contest entirely.
"Balancing Safety and Structure"
The rationale behind the change focuses on proportionality and education. "This continues the evolution of our targeting rule and balances the important safety impact with an appropriate penalty structure," explained A.J. Edds, the rules subcommittee chair and Big Ten Conference vice president of football administration. Edds emphasized that the committee plans to monitor the adjustment closely, stating, "We believe it is important to enhance the progressive penalty to ensure proper coaching and player education."
This potential change acknowledges that not all targeting calls are created equal—some are clear, vicious hits, while others involve unfortunate, split-second helmet contact. The new system aims to reserve the harshest immediate penalties for the most habitual offenders, theoretically encouraging coaching adjustments after a first offense rather than immediately sidelining a key player for a critical half.
Other Rule Changes on the Table
The targeting proposal wasn't the only potential shakeup from the subcommittee's meeting. In a nod to football's deeper history, a rule was proposed to bring the "fair catch kick" to the college game. This rare play, still on the books in the NFL, would allow a team that makes a fair catch on a punt or kickoff to immediately attempt a free kick for three points from that spot.
"The kick would be a field goal place kick with a holder or a drop kick from the spot where the returner caught the ball," the subcommittee clarified. The defense would be required to line up at least ten yards away, creating a unique, unblocked scoring opportunity just before a half ends.
Additionally, the committee suggested reducing the yardage penalty for offensive pass interference from 15 yards to 10 yards. This adjustment would bring college football more in line with the NFL's standard and could encourage more aggressive downfield passing strategies by lessening the catastrophic impact of an offensive penalty.
If approved, these rules would mark some of the most significant changes to the college game in recent years. The targeting adjustment, in particular, represents a philosophical pivot, prioritizing progressive discipline over uniform severity. For players, coaches, and fans, the 2026 season could look and feel quite different, with the game's most controversial call carrying a new weight—or lack thereof.
