Wearable technology is coming to Texas high school football in 2025, at least in a limited capacity.

The University Interscholastic League's football rules committee approved a pair of rule changes for the upcoming season, most notably the approved use of wearable technology for the purpose of play-calling in place of the NCAA-approved helmet communication technology. The UIL also approved the use of guardian caps for game play.

"Coach-to-player communication will be allowed through one-way wearable technologies in UIL football games for the 2025 season, with some important restrictions," the UIL told athletic directors and football coaches in an e-mail. "Again, this is not coach-to-player helmet communication but utilizing wristband-like technology to communicate play calls to your athletes."

Teams will be able to use wearable technology such as watches, wristbands and belt-packs to communicate in-game calls only, according to the UIL. There will be no limit on the number of athletes who can wear a device during the game.

Importantly, the UIL reiterated its ban on technology such as tablets and electronic devices on the sideline, meaning that play calls will have to come from the coaches booth or press box, where technology is permitted.

Unlike most other states, the UIL utilizes the NCAA rule book as its baseline as opposed to the National Federation of High Schools. The NCAA allowed in-helmet communication starting in 2024, but the UIL declined to adopt that measure.

Additionally, the UIL ruled that Guardian Caps will be allowed during UIL football compeition in 2025, so long as the caps match the primary shell color of the helmet.