NFL owners have approved more changes to the kickoff rule. After changing the yard line where a team starts its drive on a touchback, some other changes were approved.
Owners approved allowing onside kicks at any point in a game rather than just in the fourth quarter, although a team must be trailing to be able to do so.
There are small changes to formations and alignments, and a receiving team now may have as many as three players in the setup zone to receive the kick.
So, in summary:
- In 2025, for kicks that land past the goalline into the end zone for a touchback, teams will take over at the 35-yard line instead of the 30.
- A trailing team may attempt an onside kick at any point in a game.
- Receiving teams can have as many as three players in the setup zone instead of a max of two.
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