New year, new rules
The NCAA has approved several rule changes for the 2025 season, and while most are designed to improve pace and player safety, one in particular might ruffle some feathers in Oxford.
Here’s the rundown:
Injury Timeout Accountability – Players who receive an injury timeout must now sit out the remainder of the possession, plus an additional play. This aims to curb gamesmanship — a tactic often associated with Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin, whose teams have faced accusations of faking injuries to slow opposing offenses or defenses. Whether the Rebels were truly gaming the system or not, the optics have long been a talking point. This new rule makes such stalling much riskier.
Helmet Communication – Teams can now use in-helmet communication devices for one player on offense and one on defense, much like the NFL. This could help quarterbacks get plays in faster and defenses make quick adjustments. For Kentucky, that’s good news — Mark Stoops’ defense has historically thrived when communication is crisp and understood.
Clock Adjustments – After a first down, the game clock will no longer stop (except inside two minutes of a half) at the FBS level. This continues the NCAA’s trend of shortening game times, which will slightly reduce total plays per game. Stoops’ physical style might actually benefit from this, as fewer plays mean less wear and tear and fewer chances for opponents to mount quick comebacks.
Kickoff Modifications – Fair catches inside the 25 will now be spotted at the 30-yard line in some experimental conferences, though the SEC isn’t adopting it yet. Still, expect special teams coaches to start planning ahead as it will probably be adopted by most conferences.
For Kentucky, the helmet comms might be the most impactful change — particularly for a defense that thrives on pre-snap disguises and dropping back into zone. As for the injury-timeout rule? If nothing else, it might make games against Ole Miss a little more… honest.