New rules for 2025 that all Florida Gator fans should be aware of

College football is set to roll out some new rules for the 2025 season. Some of these are tweaks to existing rules while others are brand new and meant to address some lingering issues from 2024.

The following are the updated rules that Florida Gator fans should be aware of the this year.

Feigning Injuries: If a player appears injured after the ball is spotted, the team is charged a timeout (or delay penalty if none remain), the player must sit out at least one down, and cannot return until cleared by designated medical staff.

Timeouts in Extra Periods: Each team gets one timeout in the 1st OT and one in the 2nd, then only one total from the start of the 3rd OT to game’s end, with media timeouts allowed only after the 1st and 2nd OTs.

Instant Replay – Referee Announcement: “Confirmed” and “Stands” are replaced by “Upheld,” and overturns must be announced with a brief description of the video evidence and its impact.

“T” Signal on Kicks: A returner’s “T” signal is now an invalid fair-catch–type signal that cancels any return and forces the ball to be dead.

Team Pre-Snap Movement: Defenders within one yard of the line cannot make abrupt movements that simulate the snap to draw a foul, and offenses are equally penalized for simulating snap action (false start).

Disconcerting Signals: Players may not mimic cadence or use disconcerting words/signals; “move” and “stem” are reserved for defensive cadence only, and while offenses may use a clap to start, defenses may not.

Substitution Fouls after Two-Minute Timeout: Having 12+ defenders at the snap is a 5-yard live-ball foul, and if it occurs after the two-minute timeout with participation, the offense can reset the game clock to the snap time and it will restart on the next snap.

Scrimmage Kick Formation: To qualify, a clear kick look is required (kicker 10+ yards deep or holder/kicker 7+ for a place kick), and no other player may align within the snapper’s frame or in the clear path from snapper to the potential kicker/holder.

Defensive Linemen on Scrimmage Kick Plays: If the snapper is on the end of the line and eligible, he loses the usual alignment and post-snap contact protections afforded to snappers on kick plays.

Technology – Coach-to-Player Communications: Helmet radio communication expands to include FCS teams in 2025 (after being allowed in FBS in 2024).

Technology – Tablets: Tablets remain limited to booth/sideline/locker room, may interconnect only in the locker room at halftime or during suspensions to project larger images, and cannot contain other data like play sheets or analytics.

Optional Equipment – Eye Shields: Visors must be clear, but “nearly clear” non-mirrored versions may be pre-approved annually, with Oakley and Nike models already approved for 2025.

Defenseless Players: A player trying to recover a loose ball is now considered defenseless.

Automatic Unsportsmanlike Conduct Fouls: Simulating gunfire remains an automatic foul, and brandishing a weapon is now explicitly added as unsportsmanlike conduct.