How could a new NCAA football rule proposal help Penn State if approved?: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for March 28 include a breakdown of a new NCAA rule proposal, headlines of the day, and more.
It’s time to dive into today’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with a report from Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger. He says that an NCAA rule proposal that failed a year ago that would allow for an unlimited number of coaches on the practice field and the sideline is back on the table. It would give analysts and quality control coaches the chance to interact with players for instructional purposes, which they currently cannot do. It would also allow a head coach to designate any members of his staff as on-the-road recruiters. Currently, only the 10 on-field assistant coaches and the head coach can recruit off-campus.
“The NCAA Football Oversight Committee introduced a legislative proposal this month that would expand the abilities of a football support staff, permitting all staff members to provide players skill and tactical coaching instruction — both during practice and games,” Dellenger writes. “The proposal, introduced for a second straight year after failing to get approval last spring, eliminates the policy limiting coaching instruction to only the NCAA’s maximum of 11 “countable” coaches: the 10 assistants and head coach.”
If passed, the rule would be a win for Penn State and other big schools that have worked to expand their support staffs over the years. Using the Lions specifically as an example, approval would allow former All-American and current analyst Dan Connor to work with the linebackers. Similarly, analyst Frank Leonard could have a hands-on approach with the offense line. As of Wednesday, Penn State lists 14 analysts as part of James Franklin’s staff. The rule could be voted on as soon as May.
Headlines of the day
The hard part for new Penn State DC Tom Allen this spring? Not whistling while he works: Flounders, PennLive
Penn State adds another coveted wide receiver target to official visit list: Snyder, BWI
New DC Tom Allen’s 3 Rules for Penn State’s Defense in 2024: Poorman, Statecollege.com
Penn State puts 10 in new seven-round NFL mock draft: Pickel, BWI
James Franklin: Penn State WR Julain Fleming has ‘been great’: Allen, Daily Collegian
Penn State’s updated official visit schedule following multiple confirmations: Snyder, BWI
Schools are beginning to separate themselves for 2026 4-star QB Dia Bell after numerous March visits: Simmons, On3
Quote of the day
“He has a background of playing football at a high level, so he’s able to connect with his guys a lot better because he’s younger and he sees what they’re going through. He’s great with relationships and that’s something he’s been big on with me.”
–Class of 2026 QB Dia Bell on PSU graduate assistant/QB coach Danny O’Brien.
