NCAA approves ABS challenge system for 2027 season, per report
By Ethan Stone
Published:
The NCAA Rules Subcommittee has approved the usage of the ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) challenge system for the 2027 season, according to a report from BaseballAmerica’s Jacob Rudner Wednesday afternoon.
It’s worth noting that the Baseball Oversight Committee must still approve the proposal, but the usage of ABS is widely expected to be granted.
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The ABS system was tested in the SEC Tournament this past spring and allows batters, pitchers and catchers to challenge a called ball or strike from officials. An overall guideline for the system has not been determined and could vary at parks around the country.
Obviously, parks must have the required Trackman technology to utilize the ABS system, but it is not a prerequisite that all or a certain number of Division I teams have Trackman tech before next season. It’s worth noting that many Power 4 ballparks have the required technology available.
According to BaseballAmerica, 105 calls were challenged during the SEC Tournament using the ABS system. About 56% of those calls, 59 total, were overturned upon review. Catchers had an even better overturn rate at 63%.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
