Major Shake-Up Looming in Men’s College Basketball: NCAA Moves Closer to Adopting Four-Quarter Format
The landscape of men’s college basketball may be on the verge of one of its most historic transformations in decades. In a move that’s sending shockwaves across the NCAA, the long-standing two-half format could soon be a thing of the past, as serious momentum builds toward adopting the four-quarter structure already seen in other levels of the sport.
On Tuesday, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel convened to review and discuss several key proposals aimed at enhancing the overall flow, fairness, and excitement of men’s basketball. Among the immediate changes locked in for next season is the introduction of a coach’s challenge system — a major step forward in modernizing in-game officiating.
Coach’s Challenge Introduced for 2025 Season
Starting with the 2025 season, coaches will now have the ability to challenge certain calls during a game, but with some strict parameters in place. Each team will be allowed one challenge per game, provided they still have a timeout available to use. The types of calls eligible for review include:
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Out-of-bounds decisions
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Basket interference and goaltending
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Restricted area (secondary defender) violations
Even more intriguing is the rule allowing teams to earn an additional challenge if their first challenge is successful, offering a potentially game-changing advantage deep into regulation or even overtime.
While the new challenge system marks a significant modernization of officiating in men’s college hoops, it’s the other potential rule change that’s capturing national headlines — and could fundamentally alter the identity of the sport as we know it.
NCAA Builds “Positive Momentum” Toward Four-Quarter System
In recent weeks, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee has floated a bold proposal: shifting the format from two 20-minute halves to four 10-minute quarters — bringing men’s college basketball in line with women’s college basketball, which has used quarters since the 2015-16 season.
According to Alex Byington of On3, there is now “positive momentum” toward this drastic rule change, with the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel actively recommending that Division I conferences form a joint working group to gather extensive feedback and study the proposal’s potential effects.
“Last month, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee proposed the creation of a joint working group to gather feedback for potentially moving from halves to quarters,” Byington reported. “Since then, the NCAA revealed there’s been ‘positive momentum’ toward the move to quarters.”
This isn’t the first time such a change has been discussed. In fact, the debate over quarters vs. halves has been ongoing for years. Men’s college basketball is currently the only major basketball league in the world — from high school to international play to the NBA — still utilizing the two-half format. Shifting to four quarters would not only modernize the structure but also align NCAA men’s hoops with virtually every other level of competitive basketball.
Why The NCAA Might Finally Make The Change
The argument for moving to quarters has multiple layers:
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Better game flow: More natural breaks for adjustments, rest, and strategy.
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Consistency with other leagues: Aligns with the NBA, WNBA, FIBA, and NCAA women’s basketball.
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Fewer foul disruptions: Resetting team fouls each quarter could reduce the parade to the free-throw line that often plagues late halves.
Most importantly, the change is being driven by a growing appetite within the NCAA for modernization as the college sports world rapidly evolves. From NIL rights to direct athlete compensation following the House settlement, and now potential sweeping rule changes, the NCAA is proving it’s willing to adapt.
A Busy and Transformative Offseason for College Basketball
The 2025 offseason has already been one of the most chaotic and transformational periods in NCAA history. The House settlement has forever changed the financial structure of college athletics by opening the door for schools to directly compensate players. Simultaneously, the NCAA is now tackling the integrity and pace of play inside the lines, with rule changes like the coach’s challenge and the possible adoption of four quarters drawing widespread debate.
For die-hard fans who have spent decades watching the classic two-half format, any change will require some adjustment. The traditions of March Madness and college hoops lore have been written under the two-half system. But with nearly every other basketball organization playing quarters — and growing momentum inside the NCAA itself — it’s becoming increasingly likely that change is no longer a question of if, but when.
The Future of Men’s College Basketball Is Unfolding Before Our Eyes
If the NCAA ultimately approves the switch to quarters, the 2025-26 season could mark the beginning of a brand-new era for men’s college basketball. An era that’s faster, fairer, and more in tune with the global game.
As the NCAA continues to push forward with sweeping reforms, one thing is certain: the days of men’s college basketball operating in isolation with its unique two-half format may soon be over.
Stay locked in with trendysoccernews.com for all the latest updates on this developing story and every major shift happening across the world of college sports. This is just the beginning.
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