What punts might look like in college football 2026

A college football rule change has been passed this offseason. Coaches are hoping the rule change will be rescinded, but if not, they will have to adjust. John Brice of USA TODAY Sports talked to coaches about the rule change governing punt formations. The coaches wished to remain anonymous.

“'The punt formation rule is a rash decision that was passed without the same kind of consideration and study as the last big (special teams) changes — like no wedge on kickoff returns,' the head coach said. 'Some head coaches are happy to worry about less of the gadgets and uniqueness on punts (from guys like me), but I am afraid there will be some unintended consequences that come from this like more punts getting blocked and the possibility of injuries to punters. We shall see.'

Another coach talked to Brice:

"Essentially, it is a very drastic rule change that passed, that wasn’t worded accurately in the initial language versus what just passed,” he said. “And nobody is thinking about the ramifications that it is going to cause.

“One, this is a drastic rule change that nobody knew about because it was unclear and the rule doesn’t even match the original proposal. Originally, people were fine with the rule (basically stating if you align as a guard or tackle within the tackle box, you will be ineligible). Everyone would be fine with that (at least majority of STC would be). (This is) taking tons of creativity out of the game (which is what fans want) — way less fakes will happen.”

Brice added, "A Power Four special teams coordinator told USA TODAY Sports the new rule would require every single player with a number exception — such as a linebacker whose game jersey is No. 24, for example, but who is lined up in one of the designated positions — to check in with officials and thus be announced as a number change. It’s possible as many as four players could check in with numbers exceptions, a move that prompted coaches to wonder how it might slow down a game.

“'Extremely time consuming and nobody knows the details on how that is going to be handled when players report in with numbers 50 through 79,' said another coordinator, who noted the 50-79 numbers are designated as linemen numbers. 'And then how the opponent will be notified. Is this going to be while the play clock is going? And then how everyone will have to report back in to their original number if they go back in on offense or defense. And have to repeat that whole sequence of events every time a punt happens.'”

This is going to be an adventure -- if, of course, the rule remains in place. Coaches hope it gets squashed before the season begins in late August.

This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Punt formations will change in college football, burdening coaches