How Many College Football Games in a Season?

By Sarah Miller · August 14, 2027

College football teams typically play 12 regular-season games, with additional conference championship and postseason bowl or playoff games bringing the total to 13–15 games depending on performance and division level.

Understanding the Structure of a College Football Season

The number of college football games in a season varies by division, team performance, and postseason eligibility. At the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level—the highest tier—teams generally play 12 regular-season games. However, this number can increase significantly if a team qualifies for a conference championship game or participates in a bowl or playoff game.

Regular Season Game Limits

NCAA rules allow FBS teams to schedule up to 12 regular-season games.
One of these games may be played against a lower-division opponent (Division II or III), counting toward the 12-game limit.
Teams may apply for a waiver to play a 13th regular-season game under specific circumstances, such as playing two games in Ireland or Germany as part of an NCAA-approved international series.

Postseason Opportunities

Beyond the regular season, several factors can extend a team's schedule:

Conference Championship Games: Winners of each FBS conference division (or top-ranked teams in some cases) compete in a title game, adding a 13th contest.
Bowl Games: Most FBS teams with a winning record (6+ wins) are invited to postseason bowl games, increasing their total to 13 games.

College Football Playoff (CFP):

Differences Across NCAA Divisions

The number of games also depends on the NCAA subdivision:

FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision): Up to 15 games per season.
FCS (Football Championship Subdivision): 11 regular-season games, plus up to four playoff games, totaling 15 games for national champions.
Division II: 10 regular-season games, with potential for five playoff games.
Division III: 9 regular-season games, with up to five playoff games for contenders.

Game Count by Team Performance: Real Data Example (2024 Season)

Team	Division	Regular Season Games	Championship Game	Bowl\/Playoff Games	Total Games Played
Michigan Wolverines	FBS (Big Ten)	12	Yes	CFP Semifinal	14
Georgia Bulldogs	FBS (SEC)	12	Yes	CFP Final	15
Tennessee State Tigers	FCS	11	No	First Round Loss	12
Grand Valley State Lakers	D-II	10	No	National Final	15
North Central Cardinals	D-III	9	No	National Champion	14

Table data source:1, 2, 3

Data shows that elite FBS and D-II/D-III teams reaching the national finals often play 14–15 games. FBS teams benefit from early access to 12-game schedules, while lower divisions have shorter regular seasons but similar postseason depth. Georgia's 2024 run to the CFP final exemplifies the maximum possible schedule at the top level.

Factors That Extend the Season

Scheduling Waivers

The NCAA occasionally grants exceptions for 13-game regular seasons when teams participate in overseas games. For example, in 2024, Purdue and Missouri played in Dublin, Ireland, allowing both programs to play 13 regular-season contests before bowl eligibility.

Academic Eligibility and Player Health

Coaches must balance extended seasons with athlete workload. Studies show increased injury risk beyond 13 games, prompting ongoing debate about capping total appearances.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Football Season Length

How many games do most college football teams play in a season?

Most FBS teams play 12 regular-season games. With a bowl invitation, this increases to 13. Teams in conference title games or the College Football Playoff may play up to 15 games.

Can a college football team play more than 12 regular-season games?

Yes, under NCAA rules, teams participating in approved international competitions (e.g., games in Europe) may receive a waiver to play 13 regular-season games.

How many games are in the College Football Playoff?

The College Football Playoff consists of two semifinal games and one national championship game. A team must win two games to become champion, adding two extra contests beyond the semifinal appearance.

Do all college divisions have the same number of games?

No. FBS allows 12 regular-season games, FCS allows 11, D-II allows 10, and D-III allows 9. Postseason lengths vary accordingly, with national champions in each division potentially playing 14–15 total games.

What happens if a team doesn't qualify for a bowl game?

Teams without at least six wins (typically a .500 record) are not eligible for bowl games. These teams end their season after 12 games (or fewer if they don't complete the full schedule due to cancellations or other issues).