ODU Football Head Coach Ricky Rahne talks with an official. Photo courtesy of CB Sports Photography
Earlier this week, the NCAA Division I FBS Oversight Committee approved some rule changes that will take effect in the 2026 season.
Targeting Put on 1-year Trial
The most significant change is the overhaul of the targeting penalty structure. Under the new one-year trial period (meaning, this is only guaranteed to be a rule in 2026), a player’s first targeting offense of the season will no longer carry a second-half "carryover" suspension.
Losing a key playmaker like a starting linebacker or safety for the first half of the next game could pose a significant blow to the depth chart. Now, if an athlete is disqualified for targeting for the first time in a season, they are eligible to play the entire next game, regardless of when the foul occurred.
Please note that we said "first time in a season" because discipline still matters and additional offenses take on increasing penalties. A second targeting offense in a season triggers a mandatory first-half suspension for the next game regardless of when it occurred in the game and a third offense results in a full-game ban.
The Fair Catch Kick
In a move that aligns the college game with the NFL, teams can now attempt a "fair catch kick." After a completed or awarded fair catch, teams can choose to attempt a field goal (via place kick with a holder or a drop kick) from the spot of the catch.
This is a late-half or late-game weapon. If a team catches a punt near midfield with only a few seconds left on the clock, the team can opt for a free-kick field goal attempt. The defense must stay 10 yards back, giving the kicker a clean look at three points without a traditional rush.
OPI Reduction
Offensive Pass Interference (OPI) has long been a drive-killer, previously requiring a 15-yard march in the wrong direction. Starting in 2026, the penalty will be reduced to 10 yards.
For an offense like ODU's that can play with high tempo explosiveness, that 5-yard reduction could keep the playbook more open on 1st or 2nd and long, helping the offense stay on schedule.
Taunting to become a focus in 2026
The NCAA is putting a microscope on "demeaning" celebrations and taunting. Officials are being directed to focus on actions that interfere with game administration or the taunting of an opponent. Every staff in the country should be emphasizing disciplined celebrations to avoid costly 15-yard flags.
Special Teams Clarification
Finally, there is also a technical fix for punt formations. On punts using jersey number exceptions (players not wearing 50-79), the snapper and the two adjacent linemen are now officially ineligible receivers by position. This eliminates confusion for officials and opposing defenses about who can legally go out for a pass on a fake punt.
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Weekly Roundup: March 13th to March 19th