College football’s most controversial rule, targeting, is back for another season, and despite some tweaks this year, it’s absolutely going to cause confusion and frustration for teams and us fans. This rule is rooted in player safety, which, let’s be real, is super important for everyone on the field. But just because it’s for safety doesn’t mean anyone truly understands what’s going on. We’ve seen these calls evolve every year, so what does targeting actually look like this season? And what’s the deal with the penalties now?
What Even IS Targeting, Anyway?
Alright, so what is targeting? At its core, it’s when a player smashes an opponent with forcible contact that’s way beyond a regular tackle, block, or going for the ball. The big emphasis here is on players’ heads and necks. So, picture this: a player leads with the crown of their helmet and makes forcible contact. That’s targeting. Or, if they make forcible contact above the shoulders of a defenseless opponent, especially with a helmet or shoulder? Yup, that’s targeting too. The NCAA rulebook is clear: if you lead with the crown of your helmet, it’s targeting, no matter if the guy you hit is defenseless or not. And here’s the kicker: if officials are debating a call, it’s automatically ruled a foul, but instant replay HAS to confirm it. There’s no “stands” option; it’s either confirmed or it’s not. Talk about high stakes on every single hit!
The Penalty Just Got a Little Weirder
Remember how in past years, if a player got flagged for targeting in the second quarter, they were done for the rest of that game AND the first half of the next? Well, the rules shifted this season to try and cut down on disqualifications. Now, if a player gets tossed for targeting in the second half of a game, they actually don’t face that pesky first-half suspension for the following game. Sounds like a small win, right? But don’t get too comfortable. If that same player commits a *second* targeting foul in the same season, they’re looking at a first-half suspension for the next game. And if a player goes full beast mode and racks up three or more targeting penalties in a single season? They’re ejected from that game, get a one-game suspension for the next one (including postseason), *and* individual conferences can appeal these decisions to the NCAA national coordinator of football officials. If the appeal gets accepted after a video review, the player is back in action, no suspension. It’s a lot to keep track of, and you just know it’s gonna lead to some serious sideline arguments this year.
This rule is still a headache, but it’s here. Every single hit, every replay review, every decision could completely change a game’s momentum. Get ready for some wild Saturdays, because these calls are going to be front and center, week after week.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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