NCAA Unveils Major Rule Changes for 2025 College Sports Season
NCAA rule changes are set to reshape college sports in the 2025 season, affecting football, basketball, and other athletics. These proposals will be reviewed by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on April 16.
Players huddled on football field
2025 Season Preview The Connecticut Huskies won the Women's March Madness, while the Florida Gators claimed the men's title. The top favorites for the 2025-26 CFP National Championship are:
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Texas Longhorns
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Oregon Ducks
Football Rule Changes Key proposed changes include:
- Injury timeout restrictions to prevent manipulation
- Teams will be charged a timeout or receive a 5-yard penalty if out of timeouts
- 10-second runoff after two-minute warning for injury timeout abuse
- 5-yard penalty for defensive fouls with 12+ players on field
- New regulations on disconcerting signals by defense
- Updated uniform compliance standards
Basketball Rule Changes Notable changes include:
- Immediate removal and one-game suspension for physical contact or threats to officials
- Permission for two preseason exhibition games against any school, including Division I opponents
- Schools can now determine revenue allocation from exhibition games
- Mandatory immediate replay review for baskets scored during potential off-ball fouls
- Expedited decision-making processes for both men's and women's games
These changes aim to enhance game safety, fairness, and overall experience for players and fans. Final decisions on proposed rules will be announced after the April 16 review.