College football 2024 rule changes: Two minute warning, helmet communications?

Even more rule changes coming to college football sooner rather than later

We live in a time of massive change when it comes to college football. The playoff, conference realignment, the NCAA itself—it seems that so many of the structures that have been fixtures in the sport (and even some that are newer!) are subject to shift.

Something that has been perennial fodder for college football conspiracy theorists is the topic of sign stealing. Whereas the NFL uses in-helmet communication to the quarterback, who then calls the play to the rest of the offense, the college football ranks allows for no such thing. Instead, they have been forced to use those large signs you see on the sidelines that have pictures of TikTok celebrities and Tony the Tiger.

I fear that 2024 may mark the end of seeing the likes of Tony and Charlie D'Amelio's faces on the sidelines, as the rulemakers are expected to approve the usage of in-helmet communication for the upcoming season. This, along with a bevy of other rules, appear to be coming down the pike for this fall.

Ross Dellenger reports that, just like in the pros, helmet communication cuts off when there are 15 seconds or less to go on the play clock. As Dellenger hints at, I don't think there's any coincidence that this specific rule change was proposed after the sign-stealing scandal up in Ann Arbor.

Some other rule changes include the addition of a two-minute warning—again, mirroring the NFL—as well as tablet usage on the sidelines. As the sport becomes more professional anyway, and TV money continues to climb, it makes sense that these measures are being taken to "professionalize" the game.

These are all good changes, in my opinion. I understand cost concerns with the helmet comms, but I don't think it will break the bank for teams by any means. I feel similarly about the tablets. Some of your more cynical college football fans have been claiming that the two-minute warning rule is only to provide more ad time, but I'd have to see it implemented before I am convinced of that.