JUMP TO:
- What is the college football targeting rule?
- What are the penalties for targeting in NCAA?
- Key differences between NCAA football and NFL targeting
- College football targeting controversies
- History of targeting rule in college football
- NCAA targeting rule FAQs
In college football, targeting is one of the most important fouls to officiate.
As officials aim to protect the players and ensure their safety, they carefully assess hits for targeting fouls. The rule, which was instituted in 2008, has evolved, but the chief goals have remained the same.
Here is everything to know about targeting penalties, from the definition to notable examples and a complete history.
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What is the college football targeting rule?
Definition of targeting
The NCAA football rulebook says targeting means "a player takes aim at an opponent for purposes of attacking with forcible contact that goes beyond making a legal tackle or a legal block or playing the ball."
What is a helmet-to-helmet hit?
A helmet-to-helmet hit is when the football helmets of two players make forcible, head-to-head contact.
What is a defenseless player?
A defenseless player is defined as "one who because of their physical position and focus of concentration is especially vulnerable to injury."
The NCAA rulebook adds that "When in question, a player is defenseless."
What are the penalties for targeting in NCAA?
There are multiple penalties for targeting in the NCAA.
In addition to it being a 15-yard penalty, the player who committed the foul is penalized. If the targeting penalty is called in the first half, the player is disqualified for the remainder of the game. For targeting fouls that occur in the second half, the player is suspended for the first half of the next game.
If the foul occurs in the second half of the final game of the season, the player is suspended during the postseason or the first game of the following season.
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Key differences between NCAA football and NFL targeting
In the NCAA, the foul is formally referred to as targeting. In the NFL, the penalty is unnecessary roughness against players in a defenseless posture.
Unlike the NCAA rulebook, the NFL rulebook does not make mention of the crown of a player's helmet; instead, it says, "It is a foul if a player initiates unnecessary contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture. A player who initiates contact against a defenseless opponent is responsible for avoiding an illegal act."
The key similarity is the protection of defenseless players, but the NFL rule does not equate to an automatic disqualification. If officials deem the action flagrant, the player may be disqualified and face further punishment.
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College football targeting controversies
Peach Bowl 2025: Texas vs. Arizona State
During the 2024-25 College Football Playoff, Texas met Arizona State in the Peach Bowl semifinal.
With under two minutes remaining in regulation, Longhorns safety Michael Taaffe made helmet-to-helmet contact with Sun Devils wide receiver Melquan Stovall on third-and-15. The play got 10 yards, the hit was not reviewed for targeting and Arizona State ultimately lost in double overtime.
After the game, ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham said, "I’m going to be honest, I don’t know what targeting is."
Fiesta Bowl 2019: Clemson vs. Ohio State
The 2019 College Football Playoff saw Clemson face Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal.
With the Buckeyes leading, 16-0, late in the first half, defensive back Shaun Wade was assessed a targeting penalty for a fourth-down hit on Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Trevor Lawrence was slow to get up after this hit from Shaun Wade and Chase Young.
— ESPN (@espn) December 29, 2019
Wade was called for targeting and ejected. #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/YXJIqTnUqY
By definition, the play is targeting because Wade did not lift his head, but the controversy stems from his perceived intent. It did not appear as though Wade was attempting to make a malicious play, and, as such, many have said that there should be levels of targeting calls.
The controversial call gave the Tigers new life on the drive and resulted in a touchdown. Clemson went on to win the game, 29-23
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History of targeting rule in college football
The targeting rule was adopted by the NCAA in 2008.
In 2013, the rule was amended to disqualify players charged with the foul. The amendment also included the rules that outline the first-half suspensions tied to fouls committed in the second half of the previous game. Replay officials could overturn the ejection.
In 2019, it became a requirement for officials to use video review to confirm or deny a targeting penalty. This change to the rule also included further punishment for repeat offenders.
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NCAA targeting rule FAQs
When was the targeting rule implemented in college football?
The targeting rule was implemented in college football for the 2008 season.
Why was targeting introduced to NCAA?
Targeting was introduced to the NCAA as part of an increased concern for player safety and a focus on the prevention of traumatic brain injuries.
What happens when you get called for targeting in college football?
A player who is called for targeting in college football is automatically disqualified from the game. If the foul happens in the second half, the player is also suspended for the first half of the following game.
The player's team is penalized 15 yards.
Are there fines for targeting in NCAA?
There are no fines associated with targeting in the NCAA.
Are there suspensions for targeting in NCAA?
Yes, to varying degrees.
If a player commits a targeting foul in the second half of a game, that player is suspended for the first half of the following game.
There are also suspensions for repeat offenders: A player receives an automatic one-game suspension if they commit three targeting fouls within one season. Each additional targeting foul results in another one-game suspension.
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