NFL owners have approved nine significant rule changes for the upcoming 2026 season, focusing on special teams play and expanding replay power during league games.
The major changes include allowing teams to declare an onside kick at any point during games, removing the old rule that limited these kicks to the fourth quarter.
Kicking teams must now notify officials before attempting the special onside play, and receiving teams can use four floater players in the kickoff setup zone.
Additionally, touchbacks on kicks from the 50-yard line will move to the 20, stopping kickers from intentionally booting the ball out of bounds.
The replay center has gained the power to eject players for flagrant acts through replay review and can throw a virtual flag if on-field refs miss a foul.
This update aims to fix clear and obvious errors during high-stakes games, with replay likely expanding to help officials even more later.
Other changes include a safety net for referee disputes, new roster bylaws, and adjustments to roster cut deadlines to help teams playing in international games.
