One additional observation from Big Ten spring meetings —
multiple football coaches told me they want to create a competition committee. They’re frustrated w/ the general rule-change process (see: outrage over the punt formation change) & want more high-level coach involvement.
@NicoleAuerbach The rules committee should be made with the people the rules directly affects. The members should be held to a higher standard when it comes to clarity of decisions made. They shouldn’t miss meetings because they are out at a golf tournament. #SavePunt
@NicoleAuerbach Zero consultation with special team coordinators. Zero accountability from anyone about where the rule came from. Zero accountability for the rule being changed every step of the process. Zero regard for facts about punt and player safety. This is the where the frustration comes.
From last month; but still just as frustrating to coaches today...
A controversial new NCAA punt rule has college football's special teams coaches up in arms
https://t.co/fYUSaSApgg
@CoachZacBarton Too tough to officiate the 0.74% of punt plays are deemed “deceptive” fakes. Over 7,000 punts in FBS last season, less than 100 are the issue, and we make a sweeping rule change to 100% of punt.
@punt_21 The other fact is that 0.74% of punts last year were considered “deceptive” fakes. This “unfair” advantage of the punt team is less than 1% of punt plays. This punt rule is a drastic reaction to such a small percentage. #SavePunt
Every blocked punt puts the punter at serious injury risk. With 2026 rosters already set, this is no longer just about simplifying officiating — it’s a legitimate player safety concern that deserves reconsideration.
A 2025 study of 150 blocked punts found that 80.7% happened out of the same 2x2 formation this proposed rule would require. Another 12.7% came from formations that would become illegal, while just 6.7% were due to poor operation.
What if I told you guys this isn’t a gimmick at all, @PeteThamel & @PatMcAfeeShow? But rather rule that pushed through hastily without taking into consideration legitimate player safety concerns and potential roster implications…
How does this make the game better for players, coaches, officials or the fan experience?
Still don’t understand how a major rule change of this magnitude is passed without the support of the coaches most significantly affected.
The issue that the Big Ten coaches are most animated about at Big Ten meetings? The new/complicated punting rule (below), as the Big Ten coaches are 18-0 against it. Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz, a longtime punt advocate, was among the many animated coaches. “There’s no compelling reason to change it. It was already perfectly fine.”