In an effort to bring college football more in line with the NFL, the NCAA Football Rules Committee has recommended several rule changes for the 2024 season. These changes include the approval of helmet communications, in-game use of tablet technology, and a two-minute timeout. The proposed measures will now be reviewed by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel, with a final decision slated for April 18.

One of the key recommendations is the implementation of helmet communications, a technology that has been utilized by NFL quarterbacks for 30 years and came into play for defensive players in 2008. The NCAA has previously considered adopting this technology, but it was only during the 2023 Bowl Season that in-game experimentation with helmet communications began. Under the proposed rule, a single player on each team would be designated with a green dot on their helmet, allowing coaches to communicate play calls directly to the player. However, these communications would be turned off at the snap or when 15 seconds are left on the play clock, whichever comes first.

The introduction of helmet communications aims to streamline communication between coaches and players on the field, reducing the need for complex sign-stealing strategies. This move comes in the aftermath of a sign-stealing scandal that rocked Michigan's path to the national title in 2023.

Additionally, the rules committee is proposing the inclusion of a two-minute timeout, a staple in the NFL that grants teams an extra opportunity to strategize or stop the clock during the final two minutes of each half. The committee states that implementing this timeout will not only simplify end-of-half and end-of-game timing rules but also allow broadcasting partners to avoid consecutive media timeouts.

Other recommendations put forth by the rules committee include introducing warnings for uniform violations, followed by a timeout for subsequent offenses by any member of the violating team. Teams found in violation but without any remaining timeouts would face a 5-yard penalty. Furthermore, teams would be allowed to use 18 tablets for in-game video viewing purposes in designated areas such as the coaching booth, sideline, and locker room. Lastly, 15-yard penalties for horse-collar tackles within the tackle box would also be implemented.

While these proposed changes are yet to be officially approved, it is widely expected that they will receive little opposition. In fact, the ACC has already given the green light to helmet communications and tablet usage last month, allowing programs to start utilizing these tools during spring practice. College football fans eagerly await the final decision by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel on April 18.

As the 2024 season approaches, these rule changes aim to modernize college football and enhance the sport's alignment with the NFL.