NCAA Adjusts Controversial 'Targeting' Rule in College Football

First-time offenders will no longer face a carry-over penalty for second-half targeting fouls.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:09pm

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The NCAA has made a significant amendment to its controversial 'targeting' rule in college football. Under the new rule, first-time offenders will no longer face a 'carry-over' penalty for targeting fouls committed in the second half of a game. The NCAA will test this change on a one-year trial basis.

Why it matters

The targeting rule has long been a source of controversy and criticism from fans due to the difficulty in enforcing it. This adjustment by the NCAA is an attempt to address those concerns and provide more flexibility in how the rule is applied, particularly for first-time offenders.

The details

Previously, any player called for targeting in the second half of a game, regardless of prior offenses, would miss the first half of the following game. Now, first-time offenders will avoid that additional penalty. The NCAA hopes this change will help improve the enforcement and consistency of the targeting rule, which requires officials to review each play and determine if it meets the specific criteria of forcible contact to the head or neck area, leading with the helmet, and whether the player could have avoided the hit.

  • The NCAA conducted an extensive review of several FBS rules during the 2026 offseason.
  • The new targeting rule amendment will be tested on a one-year trial basis starting in the 2026 college football season.

The players

Reggie Powers III

An Oklahoma Sooners defensive back who was called for targeting in a game against the Missouri Tigers.

Marvin Burks

A Missouri Tigers safety who was ejected for targeting after injuring an Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver.

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What’s next

The NCAA will monitor the impact of the new targeting rule amendment during the 2026 college football season and decide whether to make it a permanent change.

The takeaway

This adjustment to the targeting rule represents a gradual step by the NCAA to address the long-standing concerns and criticisms surrounding the enforcement of this controversial rule. While it may not solve all the issues, it provides more flexibility and consistency, particularly for first-time offenders, which could help improve the overall application of the targeting rule in college football.