College football is set to undergo significant changes during the 2024 season. The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved proposed changes that will impact the on-field product next season. These changes come in the midst of a constantly evolving landscape in college sports, with the transfer portal and NIL deals reshaping the way the game is played.
One of the notable changes approved is the introduction of a single player on each team in the FBS who can communicate with a coach through their helmet while on the field. This player will be identifiable by a green dot on the back of their helmet, and communication will cease with 15 seconds remaining on the play clock. This move aligns college football more closely with the practices seen in the NFL.
Another rule change will see college football games adopting a more professional look with the addition of a two-minute timeout. Similar to the NFL’s two-minute warning, the clock will stop at the two-minute mark of the second and fourth quarters, allowing for strategic timeouts and clock management.
Technology will also play a significant role in how teams strategize on the sidelines, as they will be able to utilize up to 18 tablets to review game film and analyze plays. The tablets can display various angles of the game and provide valuable insights for coaches and players.
Additional changes include penalties for horse collar tackles in the tackle box and the opportunity for coaches to be interviewed by broadcast partners after the first and third quarters. While these changes may not directly benefit specific teams like Oklahoma State, having experienced coaches like Mike Gundy can help teams navigate and adapt to the evolving game.
Overall, these changes signify a shift towards modernizing college football and enhancing the competitiveness and professionalism of the sport. Fans can expect to see a new look on the field next season as these changes are implemented.