College football may adopt NFL's new kickoff rule next year

James Parks | Mar 27, 2024

Officials place a ball during a college football game / College Football on Fox Sports

Rule changes in the NFL often find their way to college football eventually, and judging by the conversations happening across the sport, it appears that pro football's new kickoff rules will find their way to NCAA fields sooner rather than later.

NFL owners passed a rule to adopt a new kickoff policy that was first introduced by the XFL. Going forward, players from the kicking team will line up at the opponents' 40-yard line, while players on the receiving team will start from the 35.

That arrangement could revolutionize special teams strategy and play-calling in the NFL, putting both kickoff and return teams in a more confined space and hopefully brings about more returns, increases the importance of field position, and cuts down on big collisions and concussions.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart believes the new kickoff rule could be the model for college football going forward.

"They know what they want," Smart told reporters. "They know what they're trying to do. And they're going to get it right. And then hopefully we can look into it ourselves, if the kickoff is not part of our game."

More: College Football Rule Changes We Could See in 2024

Smart's words carry more weight than other coaches, given he is a member of the NCAA rules committee.

College football has made notable changes to its kickoff rules before: in 2010, when the sport abolished wedge blocking; in 2012, when it moved the kickoff line from the 30 to the 35-yard line; also in 2012, when it moved touchbacks from the 20 to the 25.

In 2018, the NCAA introduced a rule that let return specialists call for a fair catch inside the 25.

No NCAA rule committees have met to discuss a change to kickoff rules as of right now, but that could change if the NFL's changes appear to be successful this coming season.

-

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks