NCAA Approves Kickoff, Touchback Rule Changes

The NCAA “has approved rules changes that move the kickoff and touchback lines beginning this season,” according to Sporting News.

“Starting this fall, teams will kick off at the 35-yard line instead of the 30. The Playing Rules Oversight Panel also ruled that the kicking team can’t line up for the play behind the 30-yard line. The goal is to limit the running start kicking teams have during the play.

“Another significant rule change effects touchbacks. Touchbacks on free kicks will be moved to the 25-yard line instead of the 20. Touchbacks on other plays, such as punts in the end zone or fumbles that go out of the end zone, will remain at the 20-yard line.

“The Football Rules Committee recommended the changes after studying data that suggested injuries during kickoffs occur more often than injuries occurring in other phases of the game.”