Changes are coming to men's college basketball!
Panel approves changes to enhance the flow of the game in men’s basketball. https://t.co/CxuogT7w21
— David Worlock (@DavidWorlock) June 10, 2025
On Tuesday, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved changes to help enhance the flow of the game in men's basketball. These changes will be implemented for the start of the 2025-2026 season.
Changes that have been approved include:
-Coach's challenge at any point in the game: Coaches can review out-of-bounds calls, basket interference/goaltending, and whether a secondary defender was in the restricted-area arc.
Under this new rule, coaches (who have a timeout available) will be able to request an instant replay review challenge.
If it is successful, teams will be awarded one additional video review challenge for the rest of the game (including overtime).
If the challenge is unsuccessful, the team will not be able to challenge for the remainder of the game.
These challenges will not change the NCAA officials' ability to use instant replay for timing mistakes, scoring errors, shot clock violations, 2-point versus 3-point field goal attempts, flagrant fouls, and other similar infractions.
-Modifications to the rule on continuous motion on field goal attempts: Under the new modification, an offensive player who ends his dribble going toward the basket and absorbs contact from the defense will be permitted to pivot or complete the step the player is on and finish the field goal attempt.
Enhancements to improve the game's flow: Directives are set to address delay-of-game tactics, limit the time officials spend at the monitor, enhance game administration efficiency, and reduce physicality.
Other notable changes:
-Officials will now have the option to call a Flagrant 1 foul when a player is contacted in the groin area.
-In an instance where a player uses the rim to help gain an advantage, a basket interference will be called.
-In past history, if one shot clock wasn't operating, the other would be shut off as well. Now, the operating shot clock will remain on.
Interesting changes are coming to the college basketball world and more could be on the horizon. The idea of changing from playing two halves to four quarters is certainly in discussion, as it might not be long before that change is implemented in the sport.