Targeting and offensive PI rules change before college football season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 4:19 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
The National Football Foundation has announced changes to college football rules ahead of the 2026 season. Targeting penalties will see stricter repercussions for repeat offenders, while first-time offenders will no longer face mandatory suspension for the first half of the next game. Additionally, the penalty for offensive pass interference will be reduced from 15 yards to 10 yards. A new fair-catch kick rule is also being introduced, allowing teams to attempt field goals following a fair catch, similar to a rule in the NFL.
- •Targeting penalties' repercussions now apply only after players' second offenses.
- •Offensive pass interference penalties reduced from 15 yards to 10 yards.
- •New fair-catch kick rule allows field goal attempts after fair catches.
- •Changes are part of experimental rules for the 2026 college football season.
- •Alterations aim to enhance player safety and game flow.
- 4:19 PMYahoo Sports — Targeting and offensive PI altered ahead of college football season
"The rules have changed slightly going into the 2026 college football season.
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