CFL
Jordan Ramsay
September 22, 2025

Report: CFL implementing significant rules changes, modified rouge, starting in 2026

The CFL is making a few significant rule changes in a phased approach in 2026 and 2027, commissioner Stewart Johnston announced at a press conference on Monday afternoon.

The new rules are aimed at creating more offence and streamlining CFL games.

Here’s how it works.

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Goalposts moved

Starting in 2027, the goalposts will be moved to the back of end zones. The end zones will then be shortened from 20 yards to 15 yards and the field size will shrink from 110 yards to 100 yards, while staying 65 yards wide.

With the changes the CFL will still maintain the largest end zones in professional football. Shrinking the field size is a way to keep field goals relevant after the goal posts are moved further back.

The belief is that with the goalposts out of the way, teams will be more incentivized to go for touchdowns without fear of passes being blocked by the goalpost.

Modified rouge

One of the most controversial CFL rules remains, but it will be significantly modified, starting in 2026. The rouge will no longer award one point for missed field goal attempts that go wide of the goalposts.

There will also be no points given when a punt or kickoff goes through the end zone or rolls out of the back or sides of the end zone without being touched by the returning team.

However, one point will be awarded if a punt, field goal of kickoff stays in the end zone and the returning team does not take it out or take a knee. Essentially, if the returning team is tackled in the end zone.

Other changes

All teams will now be required to have each bench area on opposite sides of the field. This will prevent the need for substitutes to run nearly the length of the field in some instances.

There will also be a new 35-second play clock implemented, which will automatically restart as soon as the play is blown dead. Currently, there is a 20-second play clock, but it’s manually initiated by the ref, leading to inconsistency in the time between plays.

The changes were approved unanimously by the CFL’s Lead Governors, which includes owners and team chairpersons.