NCAA Oversight Panel tables proposed ineligible downfield rule

The NCAA Playing Rule Oversight Panel tabled a proposed rule Thursday that would change the ineligible receiver downfield rule from three yards to one yard in college football.

The proposed rule change from the NCAA Football Rules Committee would have allowed ineligible receivers not engaged with an opponent to advance only one yard past the line of scrimmage when a pass is thrown, mirroring the rule in the NFL.

Despite some vocal criticism from college football head coaches, the current 3-yard rule will stay in place for the 2015 season.

The panel was concerned about the lack of participation in the rules process by head coaches, both in the survey process and comment period. 

While 57 percent of Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) head coaches supported the proposed change in an initial survey, only 65 FBS head coaches took the survey. And while 54 percent of FBS head coaches were supportive of the rule change in the comment period, only 46 FBS head coaches provided comments.