NCAA Implements New Targeting Penalty Structure for 2026 Season

The NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee has approved a significant change to the targeting penalty structure, set to take effect for the 2026 season. Under the new one-year trial rule, a player ejected for targeting for the first time in a season will be allowed to participate in the next game. This adjustment aims to balance player safety with a more progressive penalty system.

NCAA D1 FBS Oversight Committee approves changes to targeting penalty structureESPN

The revised targeting penalties stipulate that if a player receives a second targeting ejection, they will be required to miss the first half of the following game. A third targeting ejection will result in a full one-game suspension. Notably, no player received three targeting ejections during the 2025 season, indicating that the previous rules may have been effective in curbing excessive targeting behavior.

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Additionally, conferences will have the option to initiate an appeals process after a player’s second targeting ejection. This appeal can cover both the first and second ejections and will be reviewed by the NCAA’s national coordinator of officials through video analysis. If the appeal is successful, the player will not have to sit out the first half of the next game.

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In conjunction with the targeting rule changes, the NCAA has also adjusted the penalty for offensive pass interference (OPI) from 15 yards to 10 yards. Furthermore, teams will now have the option to attempt a kick after a completed or awarded fair catch, which could add three points if successful. However, a proposal requiring players to wear leg coverings was not approved.

NCAA D1 FBS Oversight Committee approves changes to targeting penalty structure

The targeting rule was first introduced in 2008, with automatic ejections implemented in 2013. The NCAA modified the rule in 2020 to allow ejected players to remain on the sidelines, reflecting an ongoing evolution in the approach to player safety.

NCAA D1 FBS Oversight Committee approves changes to targeting penalty structureESPN

A.J. Edds, chair of the rules subcommittee and vice president of football administration for the Big Ten Conference, stated, “This continues the evolution of our targeting rule and balances the important safety impact with an appropriate penalty structure.” The NCAA plans to closely monitor this adjustment to assess its effectiveness in promoting proper coaching and player education.

NCAA D1 FBS Oversight Committee approves changes to targeting penalty structure

While the changes aim to enhance player safety, some critics argue that the penalties may not be stringent enough to deter dangerous plays. Concerns have been raised about the potential for players to exploit the new rules, particularly regarding the appeals process after a second targeting ejection.

NCAA D1 FBS Oversight Committee approves changes to targeting penalty structure

The NCAA's FCS Oversight Committee is scheduled to make a decision on similar rule changes on March 23, 2024, as the organization continues to evaluate the impact of these adjustments on college football.

NCAA D1 FBS Oversight Committee approves changes to targeting penalty structure

• “This continues the evolution of our targeting rule and balances the important safety impact with an appropriate penalty structure,” — A.J. Edds, Rules Subcommittee Chair, Big Ten Conference

NCAA D1 FBS Oversight Committee approves changes to targeting penalty structure

• “We will closely monitor this one-year adjustment, and the committee believes it is important to enhance the progressive penalty to ensure proper coaching and player education.” — A.J. Edds, Rules Subcommittee Chair, Big Ten Conference

NCAA D1 FBS Oversight Committee approves changes to targeting penalty structure