The one-year trial version of the dynamic kickoff in the NFL led to an uptick in the return rate that wasn’t quite as much as the league had hoped.

The NFL has a new kickoff rule for the 2025 season. Starting this season, touchbacks will now be spotted at the 35-yard line (moved up five yards from last year's 30-yard line designation). The new rule aims to encourage more kickoff returns.

NFL owners approved a variety of rule changes Tuesday, including a modification of the dynamic kickoff that will place the ball after touchbacks at the 35-yard line and a tweak to the regular-season overtime period to mirror postseason rules.