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 Coaches are hoping the rule change will be rescinded, but if not, they will have to adjust.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).