NFL Rule Changes 2025: New OT Rules, Expanded Replay Assist For Regular Season Games

The annual NFL owners meeting brought forth some significant rule changes for the 2025 regular season. Owners voted unanimously to pass a rule that will change overtime rules, requiring both teams to possess the ball in the extra session. Several other rule changes also passed, including expanded replay assist and the ball spot on touchbacks. Read on for a complete breakdown of the rule changes and proposals discussed at the NFL owners meeting.

NFL New OT Rules For 2025 Regular Season Games

League owners unanimously approved a change to the regular season overtime rules. Beginning in 2025, both teams will have a chance to possess the ball in overtime, just like in the postseason. 

The original proposal, which was submitted by the Philadelphia Eagles, allotted 15 minutes for the extra session, but the time was amended down to 10 minutes. The rule change aims to provide a fairer chance for both teams to win or tie the game.

Expanded Replay Assist

The NFL Competition Committee proposed a change to give replay assist the ability to change more calls on the field.

Next season, expanded replay assist will be able to advise referees on “specific, objective aspects of a play” and address game administration issues when clear and obvious video evidence is present. 

This should help speed up the flow of the game and allows replay assist to make sure that the on-field officials are able to get the calls right without significant stoppages.

Touchbacks Will Be Spotted At 35-Yard Line

In 2024, the NFL debuted dynamic kickoffs, which helped increase the number of kickoff returns by over 10%. Now, the league is hoping to generate even more opportunities by improving field position for teams on the receiving end of touchbacks. 

Touchbacks will now be spotted at the 35-yard line, five yards up from the previous spot (the 30-yard line). 

Aside from the new spot of the ball, all other rules regarding dynamic kickoffs will remain the same.

Other Rule Changes That Were Rejected Or Pushed Back

The Detroit Lions had one rule change rejected and another pushed back until a later date. The Lions motioned to eliminate automatic first-downs on defensive holding and illegal contact penalties. The league rejected the proposal, keeping the harsh consequences in place. 

Detroit also proposed to adjust playoff seeding, but the issue will be decided at a later date.

The Green Bay Packers infamously proposed to ban the ‘Tush Push’ but the league opted to table a vote on the issue. The issue could be discussed again at a later date, likely the Spring League Meeting in May.