Kickoff Touchbacks Moved to 35-Yard Line

In 2024, the NFL introduced significant changes to encourage kickoff returns, but the return rate remained low. For the 2025 season, the league has moved the touchback spot from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line. This change aims to further incentivize teams to keep the ball in play rather than opting for touchbacks. According to ESPN Research, starting a drive at the 35-yard line increases scoring by 12%, a factor coaches will need to consider.

Replay Officials' Expanded Role

Replay officials now have the authority to overturn a broader range of penalties if clear video evidence shows the penalized action did not occur. This includes hits to the head and neck of defenseless players and horse-collar tackles. However, replay officials cannot call for a flag if on-field officials did not, maintaining the game's aesthetic.

Slight Changes for Onside Kicks

Teams can now declare their intent to attempt an onside kick at any point in the game, not just in the fourth quarter. Additionally, the alignment of the kickoff team has been adjusted to improve recovery chances. The NFL aims to raise the onside kick recovery rate from 5.4% to the historical range of 10-12%.

Guaranteed Possession in Overtime

In regular-season overtime, the team that opens on defense will get a possession even if the offensive team scores a touchdown on its opening drive. This change aligns regular-season overtime with postseason rules, though the regular-season overtime remains 10 minutes compared to the 15-minute postseason overtime.

Point of Emphasis on Sportsmanship Rules

Officials will be stricter in penalizing certain celebrations and behaviors that rose significantly in 2024. Taunting and unsportsmanlike gestures, such as violent or sexually suggestive acts, will be more heavily penalized.

Enforcing No Timeouts Rule

Teams that request an ineligible timeout will now face a delay of game penalty, regardless of whether the official grants the timeout. This change aims to eliminate inconsistencies in enforcing timeout rules.

Tush Push: Still Legal

Despite offseason debates, the tush push remains legal for the 2025 season. The play, popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, involves a player pushing the quarterback in short-yardage situations. Concerns about its safety persist, but the necessary support to ban it was not reached.

Virtual Measurement with Hawk-Eye Cameras

The NFL has installed six 8K Hawk-Eye cameras in each stadium to measure whether a ball has reached the line to gain for a first down. This technology will generate virtual animations for broadcast viewers and fans, reducing the time needed for traditional chain measurements. Chain gangs will remain on the sideline as a backup and visual representation.