With the start of the 2026 college football season right around the corner, there are several rule changes that Indiana Hoosiers fans need to know about. The rule changes aren't overwhelming, but there are some that could have an impact on Indiana games this season.
Here is a closer look at some of the new rule changes and how they could factor in to Indiana's 2026 season.
New college football rule changes all Indiana fans need to know
Targeting
Over the past handful of seasons, if a player was ejected for targeting they would not only be ejected from the game, but they would also have to sit out for the first half of the following game. That is no longer the case.
In 2026, a player called for targeting in the second half of a game will not have to sit out the first half of the following game––but only if it is their first targeting penalty of the season. If it is their second targeting penalty of the season, then they would have to sit out the first half of their next game like last season. Players who receive a third targeting penalty in a single season will be suspended for the entirety of their next game.
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Indiana did not have any players ejected for targeting this past season. However, the Hoosiers benefitted from Miami (FL) DB Xavier Lucas being suspended for the first half of the National Championship Game due to being called for targeting in the prior Fiesta Bowl.
Offensive Pass Interference
For the 2026 season, the penalty for offensive pass interference has been reduced from 15 yards to 10 yards.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The parameters surrounding unsportsmanlike conduct got a little more specific for the upcoming season. Now, there are five direct actions that will result in an unsportsmanlike penalty:
- Any form of gun violence, including brandishing a weapon.
- A slashing of the throat or a nose wipe signal.
- A player removing their helmet after the ball is dead (with exceptions for timeouts and equipment adjustments).
- Dead-ball contact fouls, such as pushing, shoving, striking, etc., that occur clearly after the ball is dead and that are not part of the game action.
- After the ball is dead, using forcible contact to push or pull an opponent off the pile.
But unsportsmanlike conduct calls are not limited to these actions. Officials are still advised to use their best judgement in "penalizing actions that interfere with orderly game administration."
The Hoosiers have been extremely disciplined under Curt Cignetti, so hopefully this is not a major issue for Indiana this season. Safety Louis Moore was called for an unsportsmanlike penalty against UCLA last season.
Fair Catch Kick
The Fair Catch Kick is being introduced to college football this season. If a team calls for a fair catch on a punt or kickoff, they now have the option to attempt a field goal from that spot without having the opposing team rush the kick.
This has been present in the NFL for a couple years, but hasn't been used on too many occasions. Most notably, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker drilled a 57-yeard field goal using the Fair Catch Kick rules back in 2024. See it in action HERE.
Some of these rule chances are modest, while some are a bit more significant. Overall, nothing too drastic is being brought to the 2026 season, but it's always good to stay informed and up to date on what changes are being made.
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