The packed room at the NCAA Rules Meeting at the 2026 ABCA Convention in Columbus, Ohio held some fascinating insights into the vision of college baseball ahead. Here are the highlights:

National Coordinator of Umpires – Jeff Gosney – (new in 2026)
Tech in Dugout
Experimental rule: DI-only.
Must be approved by conferences.
Allowed apps in dugout:
Trackman – modified dashboard and no strike zone
Note-taking apps
Pre-loaded or recorded video
Foreign Substances
There was only 1 foreign substance violation in NCAA in 2025.
Double First Base
League that experimented with the double first base had mixed reviews. Reduced congestions, but confusion about returning to base and appeals.
Review system for postseason umpire assignments

NCAA Baseball Secretary and Rules Editor – Randy Bruns
New interpretations
Physically assisting a runner
Pitching set vs. windup distinctions
Action Clock Adjustments
20-second clock starts after dead ball when pitcher is in:
Possession of ball 
On or near the dirt cicle
Everyone is in the right place on the field

Playing Rules Committee Chair – Jordan Bischel (Cincinnati Head Coach)
Future possible rule concepts being discussed:
Automatic 12-run rule
Starting runner on 2B in extra innings – 10th inning? 12 inning?
Runs & Home Runs per game:
“We need to start talking about where we’re heading with this.”