College Football's Shocking Rule Changes: Why These 5 Changes Could Ruin the Game Forever!

The college football offseason is known for a flurry of activity, including player transfers, spring practices, and an oft-overlooked aspect: rule changes. As the NFL Combine kicks off this Monday, the NCAA Football Playing Rules Committee will convene in Indianapolis to deliberate on significant alterations, notably to the highly debated targeting penalty.

Since its introduction in 2008, the targeting rule has sparked division among fans and experts alike. While there is consensus on the importance of improving player safety, the subjective nature of the penalty—sometimes assessed for nearly unavoidable contact—has left many questioning its fairness. Reports indicate that head injuries have declined since the rule's implementation, yet the repercussions for ejections, particularly the stipulation introduced in 2013 that mandates a first-half suspension for the subsequent game following a targeting ejection, are now under scrutiny.

Addressing the Targeting Penalty

One of the most contentious aspects of the targeting rule is the punishment system itself. Critics argue that it is illogical for a player ejected in the second half of a game to be barred from participating in the first half of the next game. This punishment not only penalizes the player but also severely impacts the entire team, especially in cases where a bye week extends the suspension to two weeks after the incident.

In 2022, the NCAA introduced an appeals process for players facing first-half suspensions; however, it appears this will now primarily benefit repeat offenders. The governing body is contemplating the removal of suspension penalties for first-time offenders, a move that could be seen as a step in the right direction. This modification would simplify the process while still emphasizing player safety.

The challenge lies in balancing the leniency of penalties with the need to maintain player safety. A graduated penalty system could be introduced: first-time offenders might be penalized only in the game where the foul occurred, while repeat offenders would face stricter consequences. Currently, a player who accumulates three targeting calls in one season faces an automatic one-game suspension; this new approach would allow coaches to address dangerous play without jeopardizing the team's performance.

Uniform Regulations: A Misguided Focus

Alongside discussions of player safety, the NCAA is also planning to enforce regulations concerning on-field fashion, a move that many view as unnecessary. The debate was largely fueled by complaints from head coaches, including Colorado's Deion Sanders, about players who wear pants that cut above the knees. The NCAA, which previously overlooked existing rules, is now poised to take a stricter stance.

Such wardrobe choices, often termed "Daisy Dukes," as well as issues like cutoff jerseys and the use of multiple mouthguards, may lead to penalties for teams that fail to comply. Initially, teams will be warned, but repeated infractions could result in a timeout being charged. Interestingly, there has been no indication that this will extend to yardage penalties.

Oklahoma kicker Tate Sandell, who has become notable for his choice of shorter pants, remains unphased by the criticism. He recently declared on social media, “I’m not changing it.” The fundamental concern surrounding these regulations is the fit of protective gear, which might not properly accommodate players in ill-fitting uniforms. Additionally, the inconsistency in team uniforms can undermine the cohesive image that a team sport should embody.

Ultimately, the NCAA may want to reconsider its priorities. While safety on the field should remain paramount, the focus on minor uniform deviations seems misplaced when there are pressing issues, such as eligibility limits and the risk of conferences fracturing into super leagues. Fans and players alike are less concerned with uniform strictness than they are with the potential consequences of overly rigid regulations.

As the NCAA Football Playing Rules Committee meets, the conversation surrounding these rule changes will shape the landscape of college football for the upcoming season. The balancing act between enhancing player safety and managing the finer points of on-field conduct will continue to be a pivotal topic for players, coaches, and fans alike.