Report: Big 12 requests programs return helmet communication equipment amid security concerns

Players and coaches alike have praised college football’s new change this year that allows helmet communications during games, but there may be an issue with the technology.

According to a report from The Athletic, the Big 12 has instructed teams to return their coach-to-helmet communication equipment “so that technological concerns with the product can be addressed before the weekend’s games.”

The Athletic reported that there are concerns others can listen in or access an opponent’s communications.

Specific games have been pinpointed as problematic, including the Arkansas–Texas A&M game on Sept. 28, when “a problem with the technology was discovered.” Following that discovery, officials from the Power Four conferences were alerted.

One Big 12 administrator told The Athletic that the helmet communication technology was returned so it could be “encrypted.”

Whether that can be done in time for this weekend’s games remains to be seen. Ten of the league’s 16 teams are in action this weekend.

The helmet communications have been fairly universally praised as a positive addition in the sport, allowing coaches to get a better sense what their players are seeing on the fly. It also gives players an added sense of comfort.

“The helmet comms have been awesome,” LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier said earlier this year. “Obviously, you still have to make sure you’re aware of the signals and things like that in case they go out in any moment. But it’s definitely an advantage, being able to have that communication with Coach [Joe] Sloan and making sure we’re in the correct play and running the right thing.

“There are also schematic advantages that y’all will see eventually with that. It’s been awesome. I think it’s a huge help and it’s been really, really good for us.”