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NCAA Approves New Kickoff Rule That Results in Touchback When Fair Catch is Called Inside The 25-Yard Line

The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved an alteration of football's kickoff on Friday afternoon.

Originally proposed in March, a kickoff will result in a touchback if a player calls for and makes a fair catch inside the 25-yard line.

From NCAA.com:

The Football Rules Committee made the proposal to continue efforts to increase the number of touchbacks during kickoffs since fewer injuries occur during kickoffs that result in touchbacks than on kickoffs that are returned. All other aspects of the kickoff play will remain the same.

The new rule is the latest in a series of changes the committee has made in recent years in hopes of making the play safer.