The college football offseason is generally pretty quiet this time of year. In 2026, that voice has grown louder with recent court rulings and ongoing battles.
However, this is also a time when the NCAA works with college football programs to make changes to the game. Recently, the running clock rules were changed and a two-minute warning was added.
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The NCAA is looking to make major changes to a controversial college football rule: targeting. Targeting, of course, is when a player leads with the top of his head and intentionally contacts the head or neck area of ​​another player.
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Georgia defensive back JaCorey Thomas (20)’s braces fly after knocking Mississippi State wide receiver Cayden Lee (19) to the ground during the Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Caesars Superdome on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mississippi State defeated Georgia 39-34. Thomas was called for targeting and ejected from the game.
The purpose of this rule is understandable. They want to protect all players from unnecessary hits and protect those who tend to deliver those hits.
What is controversial is the review, enforcement and punishment of targets. It’s difficult to determine whether aggressive behavior in college football is malicious in nature or unintentional.
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The penalty is expulsion and may also be carried over to the next game for the person punished. The NCAA is reportedly aiming to change at least the rollover suspension aspect of the goal.
November 16, 2023; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive back Khari Johnson (3 points) commits a targeting penalty on Pittsburgh Panthers tight end Malcolm Epps (7 points) in the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
This is a relatively large step toward solving the difficult problem of targeting. While some calls are pretty obvious (no matter what), others can still be difficult.
Could the NCAA finally change targeting penalties altogether? For now, the chances are slim, but big changes may be coming.
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