By the Books: New NFL Rules in 2026
What is changing in the NFL rulebook in 2026?
Information sourced from: NFL.com
Every year, the NFL tweaks and adjusts rules in order to keep professional football fair and safe. Opinions are often varied on if these goals are met, but regardless the game we all know and love does change. In preparation for the 2026 season, let’s dig into the rules that have changed this year, and what they could mean for the game of football. (Special thanks to Silver & Blues contributor MCBC for the idea for this article!)
Onside Kick - Available at All Times
Beginning in 2026, teams will now be able to declare an onside kick at any time that they would kick the ball. They still have to declare the kick, but it can happen at any time. Prior to 2026 onside kicks could only be declared by the trailing team, and only in the 4th quarter.
This change actually adjusts strategy when you are trailing considerably. Simply imagine a team is down by two possessions in the third quarter after just scoring, and their defense hasn’t been getting the job done. If they opt to onside kick, and fail to convert, they may still have time to bring about a comeback even though they gave up good field position. Perhaps it’s not a game changer, but it allows more options when you are playing from behind.
Kicking off from the 50-yard line
In 2025, if a team kicked off from the 50 yard line (this would generally be following a penalty), there was an incentive to kick the ball out of bounds as it would place the ball at the 25. Normal touchbacks were generally more yards (30 or 35 depending on the year), so it was a better option to kick the ball out of bounds. The rule now states that a touchback will result in the ball being placed at the receiving team’s 20 yard line. Thus, removing the incentive to kick out of bound in this situation.
Given this is very situational, I don’t expect this rule to move the needle at all. The NFL competition committee saw value in doing so though, and thus they have.
Receiving Team’s Kickoff Lineup
Previously, six players needed to have their foot on the restraining line for kickoff. Quite simply this rule changes to five player allowing another player to be placed elsewhere on the kickoff.
The “dynamic kickoff” previously introduced to the NFL, with the intent of lowering injuries on kickoffs, gets its next iteration. While Dave Fipp (Lions Special Team’s Coordinator) may have feelings one way or the other on this, I sure don’t. The proof will be in the product on the field, but I wouldn’t hold my breath for this to make a big change.
Flagrant Acts With No Flag
This rule allows very apparent or flagrant acts committed by players, that may not have been flagged, to be discussed by referees and designated league and officiating staff for possible disqualification from the game.
Additional discussion between the league and officiating leadership in these situations is probably a good thing (in my opinion). Just because a referee didn’t see the violation in the moment, doesn’t mean the player should be off the hook. I have seen too many situations where players have gotten away with things that should have resulted in potential ejection.
Temporary 1 Year Rule Regarding Temporary Officials
In the spring, there was a lot of concern around the possible use of temporary officials if there was a strike by the referees. However, since then, the NFL and the NFL Referees Association have reached a collective bargaining agreement. This rule would have allowed apparent errors in calls to be reversed by the NFL in real time to ensure the sanctity of the game with less seasoned/temporary referees. The signing of the agreement essentially renders this rule useless.
It’s Not Nothing…
Well, it’s not like nothing changed, but certainly nothing drastic. The onside kick rule being the most potentially impacting to a game. Only time will tell. However, I expect that the game will continue largely as normal, and many people won’t notice a single change. Perhaps that is a good thing.