NCAA Softens Targeting Penalties in 2026 Trial Rule Change
College football's targeting rule remains one of the sport's most disputed officiating standards, and the NCAA has revised how the penalty is enforced for the 2026 season. The changes reduce the number of games players are forced to sit out after a first offense, while keeping the underlying safety rule intact.
Targeting occurs when a player initiates forcible contact against an opponent beyond what officials consider a routine, legal tackle, block or play on the ball, with particular scrutiny on hits to the head and neck area. A foul can be called if a player leads with the crown of the helmet, regardless of whether the opponent is considered defenseless, or if a player makes forcible contact above the shoulders of a defenseless opponent using the helmet or shoulder. Any targeting call is subject to instant replay review, and under NCAA rules there is no option to simply let the on-field call "stand" - replay officials must affirmatively confirm every element of the foul for the penalty to be upheld. pariuri baschet euroleague women
Under the previous rule, a player disqualified for targeting in the second half of a game also had to sit out the first half of the following game. Beginning this season, that automatic carryover penalty has been eliminated for a first offense: a player ejected for targeting is disqualified only for the remainder of that game. A second targeting foul in the same season still triggers a first-half suspension in the team's next game, including postseason contests. Players who accumulate three or more targeting fouls in a season face an additional one-game suspension, though conferences may submit those cases for appeal through a video review conducted by the NCAA's national coordinator of football officials. If the appeal succeeds, the suspension is lifted and the player remains eligible for the full game.
NCAA secretary-rules editor for football and national coordinator of officials Steve Shaw described the adjustment as an experimental measure for 2026 rather than a permanent overhaul, noting that officials will be required to confirm every aspect of a targeting call once it reaches replay. Shaw said conference commissioners want to ensure the softer penalty structure does not encourage riskier play or reverse progress made on player safety. The NCAA will evaluate the rule's impact through the season before deciding whether to make the changes permanent.
