NCAA Enacts Stricter In-Game Injury Timeout Rules

The NCAA has approved new rules for the 2025 college football season aimed at reducing the frequency of players faking injuries to manipulate game tempo. If medical staff enter the field to evaluate a player after the ball is spotted for the next play, the team will be charged a timeout or, if none remain, a five-yard delay-of-game penalty. Previously, suspected feigned injuries were handled by postgame video review and conference-level discipline, but now immediate in-game penalties will be enforced. Additional rule changes include limiting teams to one timeout from the third overtime onward, simplifying replay review announcements to 'upheld' or 'overturned,' and introducing minor tweaks to kick and punt formations. These updates are designed to address concerns about teams using fake injuries to disrupt fast-paced offenses and to preserve the integrity and pace of college football. The NCAA hopes the measures will also improve the perception of fairness in the sport.