Deion Sanders calls for NCAA kickoff return rule change to boost action and excitement

Alejandro Sanchez - Raíz Colorado Buffaloes - English Deion Sanders - English Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets - English NCAAF - English Sports

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The start of the 2025 season didn’t go as expected for Deion Sanders: the Buffaloes fell 27-20 to Georgia Tech. Still, Sanders insisted the team is doing fine and focused part of his analysis on special teams. In his weekly press conference, he called on the NCAA to revise the kickoff return rule, arguing that the current regulation encourages teams to kick the ball out of the end zone and eliminates return opportunities.

Sanders, who has experience in both the NCAA and the NFL, proposed a concrete alternative: “Let’s do it like the NFL or move the kicker back to get some action.” His proposal aims to increase kickoff returns – and with them, more exciting plays – to take advantage of Colorado’s athletic talent, especially rookies who can shine on special teams.

Sanders and his major impact

Sanders’ concern isn’t just tactical – it’s also competitive. If more returns were allowed, programs like Colorado could benefit from explosive players whose participation is currently limited because most kickoffs end in touchbacks. From a sports copywriting perspective, this would be a powerful hook to attract audiences – more action, more highlights, more content for social media and media outlets.

The current rule in college football requires players to remain still until the returner touches the ball; its main goal is to reduce collisions and prioritize safety. Sanders acknowledges that logic, but his proposal (moving the kicker or adjusting the alignment) seeks to balance protection with game excitement, reducing touchbacks and increasing return opportunities.

Will the NCAA change the return rule?

Although Sanders’ idea makes sense both athletically and from a media standpoint, a rule change would require safety evaluations, consensus among universities, and testing. For now, Colorado will look to fix its special teams issues and focus on its next opponent, Delaware, where they’ll try to prove that more returns can mean more points on the scoreboard.

Sanders’ suggestion brings back the classic debate between safety and spectacle in college football. Whatever the NCAA decides, the conversation is already underway: fans, coaches, and broadcasters will be watching closely for any move that promises more adrenaline in kickoffs.

This news was originally published on this post .

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Alejandro Sanchez - Raíz Colorado Buffaloes - English Deion Sanders - English Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets - English NCAAF - English

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