Coach is joined by veteran football official Tom Ritter to break down new rule changes, points of emphasis for the 2026 season, and the growing need for new officials.

• Targeting Penalty Modifications: Players disqualified for a targeting foul in the second half will no longer be forced to sit out the first half of the following game. However, progressive penalties have been added for repeat offenders: a second targeting foul in a single season triggers a first-half suspension for the next game, while a third foul results in a full-game suspension.
• Fair Catch Free Kick: College football has adopted the fair catch kick rule (long present in high school and the NFL). Following a fair catch or kick-catch interference on a punt, the receiving team can elect to attempt an uncontested free-kick field goal from the spot of the catch, including on an untimed down if the clock expired during the punt.
• Tighter Focus on Defensive Holding: Officiating crews will place a strong emphasis on contact between defensive backs and receivers, strictly penalizing prolonged, restrictive contact and grabbing as defensive holding.
• Officiating Transition & Recruitment: Ritter touched on former SEC coordinator of officials Steve Shaw transitioning to an analyst role with ESPN and emphasized the urgent need for new high school referees, directing prospective officials across Middle Tennessee to MTFOA.org and the TSSAA portal.

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