College football’s rulebook just got some serious updates for the 2026 season, and the biggest one has to be the major tweak to targeting punishment. They are really trying to differentiate between those truly dangerous hits and plays that might be less egregious, and it’s going to change how we watch the game this fall.
Say Goodbye To Automatic Suspensions For Your First Targeting Foul
The NCAA wants to lessen disqualifications, and the way they’re doing it is wild: no carryover on a player’s *first* targeting foul. Think about it, if a guy gets flagged in the third quarter for his first targeting penalty of the season, that automatic first-half suspension for the next game? It’s GONE. That’s a massive shift. Of course, it’s not a free pass. If that same player racks up a second targeting foul in the same season, he’ll still miss the first half of the next game. Hit a third targeting foul, and you’re out for the rest of that game *and* the entire next one. Steve Shaw, the NCAA secretary-rules editor and national coordinator of officials, said their committee is all about not punishing players just for making a tackle or a football play, and honestly, we love to hear it. Only six players in FBS had two or more targeting penalties last season, so this isn’t about letting habitual offenders off the hook. This whole thing is a one-year trial, so expect some drama and debate as they figure it out.
Replay Just Got Real, Plus Big Swings on the Horizon
Shaw also said officials are human, and that’s why this next part is key: when a targeting call goes to replay, officials *must* confirm all aspects of the foul. If they can’t absolutely confirm every single detail, they’re going to overturn it. Why? Because nobody wants to disqualify a player on a marginal call that isn’t absolutely clear. That’s huge for player fairness, right? Shaw even pointed to Miami defensive back Xavier Lucas’ targeting penalty in the fourth quarter of the Hurricanes’ CFP semifinal win over Ole Miss as something that sparked this whole punishment alteration.
Beyond targeting, officials also have expanded guidance for unsportsmanlike conduct, specifically when it comes to taunting, celebrations, and actions directed at opponents. Get ready for some stricter enforcement there. And don’t sleep on changes to pass interference enforcement either; the word is it could create some meaningful swings in field position.
The goal across the board is greater consistency, which is always easier said than done with judgment calls. We should all be ready for an early adjustment period as crews try to establish these new standards in real time. This fall is going to be a fascinating watch as everyone, from players to coaches to us fans, figures out how these new rules shape the games we love.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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