The NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee is considering sweeping changes that could significantly alter the look and feel of college hoops. Among the proposals on the table: allowing coaches to challenge calls and moving from the traditional two 20-minute halves to four 10-minute quarters.
These potential changes, discussed during the committee’s annual meetings, are part of a broader effort to improve game flow, enhance fairness, and align more closely with international and professional standards. While nothing has been finalized, the proposals signal a willingness to modernize a sport that has largely stuck to its historical format.
The introduction of coach’s challenges would mirror elements of the NBA and NFL, giving coaches the ability to contest specific officiating decisions. Although details are still being ironed out, such as how many challenges would be allowed per game and what kinds of calls could be reviewed, the intent is to give coaches a voice in key moments without overwhelming the game’s pace.
Meanwhile, the move to quarters would bring the college game in line with women’s NCAA basketball and FIBA play, both of which already operate on a four-quarter system. Advocates argue that quarters improve the game’s rhythm and can lead to more strategic timeouts and end-of-quarter scenarios. It would also impact team foul counts and free throw rules, potentially reducing lengthy trips to the line late in each half.
Critics of the changes argue that the uniqueness of college basketball lies in its traditional structure, and that switching to quarters might dilute that identity. Others warn that increasing replay could bog down the pace of play, something the NCAA has previously tried to avoid.
Still, the momentum behind these proposed adjustments appears strong. The committee will continue gathering feedback from coaches, players, and officials before any final decisions are made. If approved, the rule changes could take effect as early as the 2025–26 season.
With the college basketball landscape constantly evolving, these potential shifts could mark one of the most significant modernizations of the game in years. Whether