A major rule change is on the horizon for college football, and it has the potential to alter the game significantly. Coaches are lobbying for a new regulation that would require injured players to sit out the remainder of their team’s drive, a move designed to curb the practice of players faking injuries to slow the game down.
The issue of fake injuries has plagued the sport for years, with tempo offenses like Ole Miss and Tennessee often suffering the most. According to the proposed rule, a player leaving the field due to injury would not be allowed to return until the next drive—unless the team uses a timeout to reinstate them. This would deter teams from exploiting the current loophole to gain a strategic advantage.
While some view this as a much-needed solution, others worry it could penalize legitimately injured players. As the NCAA looks to finalize decisions before the 2025 season, this proposal could represent a significant step toward maintaining the integrity of the game.
