College football returns this fall with several rule changes that could affect everything from targeting penalties to field-goal opportunities. The NCAA approved the changes earlier this year for the 2026 season.

One of the biggest changes involves targeting. Under a one-year trial in Division I, a player disqualified for targeting for the first time during a season will still be removed from that game but will be eligible to play in the next game. Previously, a targeting foul in the second half also required the player to miss the first half of the following game. A second targeting disqualification during the season will result in the player missing the first half of the next game, while a third will result in a full-game suspension.

Offensive pass interference will also carry a lighter penalty. Instead of the previous 15-yard penalty, offensive pass interference will now cost the offending team 10 yards.

Perhaps the most unusual addition is the fair catch kick. After a completed or awarded fair catch, a team can choose to attempt a field goal from the spot of the catch. The kick can be a place kick with a holder or a drop kick, and the defense must remain at least 10 yards from the spot. If the kick goes through the uprights, it is worth three points. The rule brings Division I college football more in line with similar rules already used in the NFL and high school football.

There are also changes involving punt formations. On punts using jersey-number exceptions, the snapper and two adjacent linemen on each side who are positioned in or touching the tackle box will be considered ineligible receivers by position. The change is intended to make eligibility clearer for officials and teams.

Officials will also have additional guidance when calling unsportsmanlike conduct, with an emphasis on taunting, actions that interfere with the administration of the game and celebrations considered demeaning to an opponent or the game.

The NCAA also approved an experimental replay technology rule that conferences may choose to use during the 2026 regular season. It allows instant-replay video output to be provided in real time to both teams’ coaches booths. For nonconference games, both teams must agree to its use.

With the 2026 college football season getting underway, fans will have a few new wrinkles to watch for — and the fair catch kick may be the one that catches everyone by surprise the first time a team decides to try it.

---