Evolution of the Game: Proposed Rule Changes for 2026 Division I Football

The Division I Football Rules Subcommittee has proposed a series of significant modifications for the 2026 season aimed at balancing player safety, uniform consistency, and game strategy. These recommendations, which include a high-profile shift in the targeting penalty structure, are currently pending approval from the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Oversight Committees later this month.

Redefining the Targeting Penalty

The most notable proposal is a one-year trial rule to adjust the “carry-over” disqualification for targeting. Under the current 2026 framework, the subcommittee aims to refine how players are penalized across multiple games while maintaining a focus on safety and player education.

• First Offense: A player disqualified for targeting for the first time in a season would no longer be required to miss the first half of the next game, regardless of which half the foul occurred in.
• Second Offense: A second targeting disqualification in the same season would trigger a mandatory suspension for the first half of the following game.
• Third Offense: A third violation would result in a full-game suspension for the next scheduled contest.
• Appeals Process: Conferences would have the option to appeal a disqualification after a player’s second offense. The NCAA national coordinator of football officials would facilitate a video review to determine if the call should be overturned.

“This continues the evolution of our targeting rule and balances the important safety impact with an appropriate penalty structure,” stated A.J. Edds, rules subcommittee chair and Big Ten vice president of football administration.

Uniform and Equipment Standards

The subcommittee also addressed the “look” of the game, proposing stricter enforcement for leg coverings to ensure a professional and consistent appearance across Division I.

• Leg Coverings: Players must wear leg coverings extending from the top of the shoe to the bottom of the pants. Styles and colors must be uniform across the entire team for that game.
• Enforcement Scale: * 1st Offense: Team warning; player must leave for at least one down to correct.
  • 2nd Offense: 5-yard team penalty.
  • Subsequent Offenses: 15-yard team penalty.

Strategic Additions: The Fair Catch Kick

In a move to align collegiate rules more closely with the NFL and high school levels, the subcommittee proposed the introduction of the fair catch kick.

• The Play: After a completed or awarded fair catch, a team may choose to attempt a field goal via place kick (with a holder, no tee) or a drop kick from the spot of the catch.
• Scoring: A successful kick through the uprights awards 3 points.
• Defensive Alignment: The defending team must remain at least 10 yards from the spot of the kick.

Additional Operational Clarifications

Moving Toward Approval

These proposals represent a continued effort to modernize the student-athlete experience on the field while ensuring that coaching and player education keep pace with safety protocols. The FBS Oversight Committee will review these recommendations on March 19, followed by the FCS Oversight Committee on March 23.