DI Football Approves Penalty Structure Changes for Targeting

The Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee has enacted significant changes for the 2026 season regarding targeting penalties. These modifications aim to provide clarity and more leniency for players who face disqualifications for targeting.

New Targeting Penalty Structure

Under the new rules, a player disqualified for targeting will have varying consequences based on the number of offenses in a season:

• If a player is disqualified for the first time, they may participate in the next game.
• A second disqualification will require the player to miss the first half of their next game.
• A third targeting offense will result in the player missing the entire next game.

Interestingly, no player was disqualified for targeting three times in the 2025 season. Additionally, conferences now have the ability to appeal a second targeting offense. This appeals process allows for video review by the NCAA national coordinator of football officials. If the appeal is successful, the player can participate fully in the subsequent game.

Previous Penalty Consequences

Previously, players disqualified for targeting could not return for the remainder of that game, and if the offense occurred in the second half, the player would sit out the first half of the next game. This change seeks to create a fairer and more balanced approach to targeting penalties.

Other Approved Rule Changes

The oversight committee also announced additional changes that impact gameplay:

• After a completed fair catch, a team can opt for a kick, either a field goal place kick or a drop kick. If successful, this will add three points to the team’s score.
• Punt formations will now have clarified rules about eligibility based on jersey numbers. Specifically, snapper and two adjacent linemen in the tackle box will be considered ineligible receivers when the snapper takes position.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct penalties were clarified to offer on-field officials better guidance, specifically targeting taunts and actions that disrupt the game.
• The penalty for offensive pass interference has been reduced from 15 yards to 10 yards.

However, a proposal requiring players to wear leg coverings was not approved, maintaining the current uniform regulations.

Overall, these changes signify a shift in how targeting offenses are managed in Division I football, reflecting a more lenient and structured approach. As teams adapt to these modifications, players will now have more opportunities to remain in the game, enhancing the overall competitive experience.