NFL Approves Onside Kick Rule Change for 2026 Season

League also tweaks kickoff alignment and touchback rules as part of ongoing efforts to refine the dynamic kickoff.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:35pm

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The NFL has approved several rule changes for the 2026 season, most notably allowing teams to attempt an onside kick at any point during the game. Previously, onside kicks were only permitted when a team was trailing. The league is also adjusting the alignment of receiving team players on kickoffs and modifying the touchback rule for kicks from the 50-yard line.

Why it matters

The NFL has been working to make kickoffs safer while also maintaining their excitement and importance in the game. These latest rule changes are part of that ongoing effort, giving teams more flexibility on onside kicks while also closing loopholes and adjusting player alignments.

The details

The most notable approved rule change will allow teams to attempt an onside kick at any point during the game, not just when trailing. However, teams will still have to declare an onside kick attempt, preventing surprise onside kicks. The league is also adjusting the alignment of receiving team players on kickoffs, requiring just five players to have their front foot on the setup line instead of six. Additionally, touchbacks on kicks from the 50-yard line will now be brought back out to the 20-yard line, eliminating the incentive for teams to purposely kick the ball out of bounds.

  • The NFL's new kickoff rules will go into effect for the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Sean Payton

Former head coach of the New Orleans Saints, who famously dialed up a surprise onside kick to start the second half of Super Bowl 44.

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What’s next

The NFL's competition committee will continue to monitor the impact of these rule changes, particularly the effect on onside kick attempts and recovery rates.

The takeaway

The NFL's latest kickoff rule changes demonstrate the league's ongoing efforts to balance player safety with maintaining the excitement and importance of one of football's most pivotal plays. By giving teams more flexibility on onside kicks while also closing loopholes, the league is working to refine the dynamic kickoff introduced in 2024.