Changes to targeting rules coming? NCAA committee proposes one-year trial to modify disqualifications
CBS Sports
by
Will Backus
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The NCAA Rules Subcommittee has proposed a one-year trial rule change aimed at modifying targeting penalties in college football. Under the current system, players disqualified for targeting must sit out part or all of their next game depending on when the penalty occurs. The new proposal would allow players who commit a first-time targeting violation to play in their next game, regardless of whether the penalty occurred in the first or second half. This change is intended to strike a balance between prioritizing player safety and ensuring appropriate penalties remain in place.
The proposed rule also introduces a progressive penalty structure. A second disqualification for targeting would require the player to miss the first half of their next game, while a third violation would result in a full-game suspension. Additionally, conferences could initiate an appeals process if a player receives a second targeting violation, potentially allowing the player to play both halves of their next game if the appeal is successful.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/26/2026