3 Rules That Will Change College Football in 2017

National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.

If you are ready to take your recruiting to the next level, click the Get Scouted button below to be evaluated by an NSR College Scout.

Get Scouted Scouting Careers

At every NCAA level, football rules are changing to make the game safer for athletes. In March, the NCAA Football Rules Committee sat down and proposed rule changes for the 2017 football season.

Many rules were discussed, but three rule changes will more than likely be seen this upcoming season. However, the rule changes will not be official until the Playing Rules Oversight Panel meets to approve them.

Field Goal Blocking Restrictions
Players will no longer be able to jump over linemen to stop a field goal or point-after-touchdown attempts. Previously, defensive players were able to leap or hurdle over offensive linemen to stop a field goal or PAT as long as they didn’t land on the opposing player.

Athlete Uniforms Extended
Athletes will be required to wear knee pads and pants that cover their knees from now on. Up until now, wearing pants that cover the knee was only strongly encouraged.

Horse-Collar Rule Modified
The nameplate area of a football jersey will now be part of the horse-collar tackle rule.

The committee’s hope is that these three rules will improve the safety of college football.

“Our committee’s most significant charge is to enhance the health and safety of our student-athletes when possible,” said Bob Nielson, chair of the committee and coach at South Dakota. “Each of these rules changes address areas that help us accomplish this goal.”

Even though this is a non-rule-change year for football, recommendations to improve health and safety in existing rules can be made.

The committee took a hard look at the targeting rule but ultimately decided to keep it as-is for the 2017 season. The Playing Rules Oversight Panel is set to discuss the 2017 rule changes on April 19, 2017.