Penalties

What is Encroachment in college football?

In college football, Encroachment means: A pre-snap defensive violation involving illegal entry into the neutral zone, often causing contact or an offensive reaction. It is used to describe penalties context in college football.

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Quick Answer

In college football, Encroachment means: A pre-snap defensive violation involving illegal entry into the neutral zone, often causing contact or an offensive reaction. It is used to describe penalties context in college football.

Definition

A pre-snap defensive violation involving illegal entry into the neutral zone, often causing contact or an offensive reaction.

How CFB Track Uses It

CFBTrack uses Encroachment context to connect glossary definitions with the stats, schedules, teams, players, and rankings that use the term.

Related Glossary Terms

OffsideA defensive penalty when a player is across the line of scrimmage or neutral zone at the snap.Neutral ZoneThe space between the offensive and defensive lines before the snap.False StartAn offensive penalty when a player illegally moves before the snap in a way that simulates the start of play.Blindside BlockA block delivered from outside an opponent's field of vision, often subject to safety restrictions.Block in the BackA penalty for illegally blocking an opponent from behind.Chop BlockAn illegal low block combined with another block against the same defender.

Last reviewed 2026-04-24