Explaining the new "fair catch kick” rule in CFB
- Shane Holcombe
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Tailgates around the country are about to be discussing a new rule.
The fair catch kick is being implemented in college football for the 2026 season, meaning a team can now designate a fair catch as an uncontested field goal via placekick or dropkick from the spot of the catch on the very next play.
However, this rule is not new to football; it has been in the NFL rulebook since the league’s inception in 1920. Colorado sports fans might know that well, since the Los Angeles Chargers scored three points against the Denver Broncos in 2024. That was the last time a team successfully attempted a fair catch kick.
The rule has been used few and far between in the NFL, but here are the logistics. After a head coach calls for a fair catch kick, the defense cannot rush the attempt.
Similar to a regular field goal or punt, the defense can return it the other way to score. Crucially, if the fair catch is called as the game clock hits zero at the end of each half, the fair catch kick can be played as an untimed down.
This could play as an alternative for a team that usually tries to throw a Hail Mary when gaining possession back as time expires.
Imagine an opponent punting from deep in their own end territory with a few seconds left. The punt goes short after a pressured attack at the line of scrimmage, and Colorado makes a fair catch at the opponent's 40-yard line.
“Coach Prime” can now call for a fair catch kick. New starting placekicker Elliot Arnold, who has the leg power to hit from 55 yards out, can step up and try to take a whack at 3 points.
The Buffaloes might not use the rule at all in the near future, but the prospect remains intriguing.
The Hail Mary now has company in a team’s desperation playbook. And the next tailgate debate might not be whether a team should've thrown from deep; it's whether they should've kicked instead.
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