Do players that are ejected for targeting have to leave the field?

Per Grok ….

No, college football players ejected for targeting do not have to leave the field in 2025. They are disqualified from further participation but can remain in the team area (such as the sideline or bench) under supervision, as long as they stay out of view of the playing field.

This rule is outlined in the NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations (2025 edition), Rule 9, Section 1, Article 7, which covers targeting fouls. It states that a player who commits targeting "shall be disqualified" (ejected from the game), resulting in a 15-yard penalty and potential suspension for the first half of the next game if the foul occurs in the second half. Disqualified players must remain under team supervision in the team area but are not required to go to the locker room, unlike ejections for other fouls (e.g., fighting under Rule 9, Section 2, which mandates leaving the field entirely).

This policy was updated in 2020 by the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel to allow disqualified targeting players to stay in the team area, promoting safety while reducing disruptions. No changes to this aspect were announced for the 2025 season in the NCAA Football Rules Committee's updates.