5 college football rule changes that go into effect in 2023

Virginia Tech opens the 2023 season on Sept. 2 at Lane Stadium with a non-conference game against Old Dominion with some new faces. When the Hokies take the field for the game, they will do so knowing that there are going to be some rule changes for this season.

Here are some new rules and how they will affect the 2023 season.

Five key new rule changes to take effect this season

Here is a breakdown and thoughts on five rule changes set to take place in 2023.

1. When Team A (the offense) gains a first down, the clock will no longer be stopped to award a first down except with less than two minutes remaining in the 2nd and 4th quarters.  I’m all for this new rule. There is no need to stop the clock after a first down ever, except in the final two minutes of the first and second half. Count me in favor of this rule.
2. Consecutive charged team timeouts will no longer be allowed by the same team in any individual dead ball period.  Each team is entitled to three charged team timeouts during each half, with no more than one charged team timeout available per team, per individual dead ball period. If you need to call consecutive timeouts on the same dead ball, then you need to question your game management.
3. A period shall be extended for an untimed down in the 2nd or 4th quarter only if a penalty is accepted for a live-ball foul, if there are offsetting fouls, or an inadvertent whistle.  The 1st and 3rd quarters will not be extended, and any penalty enforcement will be carried over to the following quarter. I have never understood the need to extend the first or third quarter for one untimed down because of a penalty. Love this. Eliminating the untimed downs is great.
4. The field will be available to squad members for halftime warmup no later than three minutes prior to the second half kickoff.  When any Squad Member enters the playing enclosure during the halftime intermission, a staff member from that team must be present on the field. Great, playball!
5. The optional use of instant replay in games that do not have an instant replay booth official is now permissible and must be in full compliance with Rule 12 (the replay rule). Replay is still going to be used with a few exceptions listed on the National Football Foundation page.

Other than the clock not stopping after first downs outside of the final two minutes of the first and second halves, there is nothing too big. It’s almost time to play ball.