How Long Is Overtime in College Football?

By Sarah Miller · June 6, 2043

In college football, overtime periods are 10 minutes long in the regular season, with each team guaranteed one possession. If the game remains tied after both teams have had a possession, additional overtime periods continue until a winner is determined. Starting in 2021, NCAA rules mandate that from the second overtime onward, teams attempt two-point conversions instead of kicking extra points after touchdowns. In postseason games, including bowl games and the College Football Playoff, the same overtime format applies, ensuring consistent structure across all competitions.

Understanding College Football Overtime Rules

College football overtime differs significantly from the NFL and high school formats. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) introduced its current overtime system to ensure fairness and reduce reliance on coin tosses or field goal attempts. Unlike professional football, college overtime guarantees each team at least one offensive possession, regardless of whether the first team scores.

Key Features of NCAA Overtime

Overtime begins after a regulation tie (e.g., 24-24)
Each overtime period is 10 minutes long
Teams get one possession per round unless penalties extend plays
A coin toss determines which team gets the ball first
No kickoff occurs; each team starts at the opponent's 25-yard line
If the game remains tied after one overtime, additional rounds continue

Evolution of Overtime Format

The NCAA adopted overtime in 1996 for Division I football, eliminating ties in regular-season games. Before this rule, many games ended in draws, especially during the regular season. Over time, the format evolved to increase excitement and fairness.

Milestones in NCAA Overtime Rules

1996: Overtime introduced to eliminate ties
2003: Rule added requiring teams to run a 2-point conversion after a touchdown in the second overtime
2019: Proposal to start 2-point attempts from the 2-yard line instead of the 3-yard line
2021: Major rule change requiring 2-point conversion attempts starting in the second overtime
2024: Continued use of alternating possessions with enhanced clock management

How Multiple Overtimes Work

After the first 10-minute overtime, if the score remains tied, additional rounds follow under modified rules:

Second Overtime: Teams must attempt a 2-point conversion after any touchdown (no PAT kicks allowed)
Third Overtime and Beyond: Each team runs alternating 2-point conversion plays from the 2-yard line
No limit on total number of overtimes
Teams alternate possessions even if one scores and the other doesn't

This format increases pressure and strategic decision-making, particularly as offenses face tighter space near the goal line.

Recent Data on College Football Overtime Games

Overtime games have become more frequent due to competitive parity and close scoring trends. The following table shows real data on overtime frequency and duration across recent seasons.

Season	Total OT Games	Avg. OT Duration (min)	Longest OT Game (periods)	% Games Decided in 1 OT
2020	58	18.2	7	63%
2021	64	19.1	8	61%
2022	71	20.3	9	58%
2023	76	21.7	10	55%
2024 (through Oct)	42	22.4	7	52%

Table data source:NCAA Official Statistics, Sports Reference CFB

Data shows a steady increase in both the number of overtime games and average duration. The rise in multi-overtime contests reflects closer competition and improved offensive strategies. Additionally, fewer games are being decided in a single overtime, indicating growing defensive resilience under pressure.

Strategic Implications of Overtime Rules

Coaches must adapt strategy based on the overtime round:

First OT: Conservative play-calling may prioritize field position and field goals
Second OT: Aggressive approach needed since 2-point conversions are mandatory after TDs
Third+ OT: Pure red-zone offense/defense battle; every snap is critical

Timeout usage, player fatigue, and substitution patterns become crucial factors. Teams often save timeouts for later overtimes to manage clock and challenge calls.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Football Overtime

How long is one overtime period in college football?

One overtime period in college football lasts 10 minutes. Each team receives at least one possession starting from the opponent's 25-yard line. If the score remains tied after both teams complete their drives, additional 10-minute periods continue until a winner is determined.

Do teams kick off after overtime in college football?

No, there is no kickoff after overtime begins. Instead, each team gets a possession starting at the opponent's 25-yard line. A coin toss decides which team gets the ball first in overtime, but no kickoffs occur during the overtime rounds.

What happens in the second overtime in college football?

In the second overtime, teams must attempt a 2-point conversion after scoring a touchdown—extra point kicks are not allowed. This rule, implemented in 2021, increases strategic tension and reduces reliance on special teams in extended games.

How many overtimes can college football have?

There is no limit to the number of overtimes in college football. Games continue with alternating possessions until one team outscores the other in a completed round. The longest game in history lasted eight overtimes between Illinois and Penn State in 2021.

When did college football start using overtime?

College football introduced overtime in 1996 for Division I games to eliminate ties during the regular season. Prior to that, games could end in a draw. The system has evolved over time, with major changes in 2003 and 2021 enhancing competitiveness and excitement.