How Many Days Till Football Season Starts in 2026?

By Sarah Miller · February 2, 2036

As of October 2025, there are approximately 330 days until the next NFL regular season kickoff, which is expected to begin on September 4, 2026. For college football, the 2026 season will likely start around August 29, putting it roughly 325 days away. These timelines vary slightly by league and level, but fans can expect official games to return in late August or early September 2026.

Understanding Football Season Start Dates

The term "football" refers to different leagues and levels globally, but in the U.S., it most commonly means the NFL and NCAA college football. Each has a fixed annual schedule, making it easy to calculate how many days remain until opening day.

NFL Regular Season Timeline

The NFL regular season typically begins the Thursday after Labor Day.
For 2026, that date falls on September 4, 2026.
Preseason starts about two weeks earlier, around August 21, 2026.
The Super Bowl for the 2026 season will be held in early February 2027.

College Football Season Schedule

NCAA Division I FBS games usually kick off in late August.
The 2026 college football season is projected to start on August 29, 2026.
Notable early-season events include the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Games and Pac-12 Championship preview matchups.
The College Football Playoff begins in December, culminating in January 2027.

Days Remaining Until Key Football Events

Below is a detailed breakdown of major American football leagues and their projected start dates for the 2026 season:

League/Level	Projected Start Date	Days from Oct 2025	Game Type
NFL Regular Season	September 4, 2026	330	Week 1 - Chiefs vs. Lions (tentative)
NFL Preseason	August 21, 2026	317	First preseason game
College Football (FBS)	August 29, 2026	325	Season opener matchups
High School Football (USA)	August 28, 2026	324	State-dependent start dates
XFL / USFL Merger League	March 7, 2026	160	Fall-to-spring spring football model

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that while traditional fall football remains dominant, alternative leagues like the merged XFL-USFL are shifting to a spring model, reducing the overall offseason gap. The NFL still commands the longest anticipation period, with over 10 months between seasons—highlighting its cultural significance and media dominance.

How to Stay Engaged During the Offseason

With nearly a year to go, fans can use this time to deepen their knowledge and stay connected to the sport.

Recommended Activities for Football Fans

Follow free agency moves and draft analysis on ESPN, NFL Network, and Bleacher Report.
Participate in fantasy football prep: research rookie prospects and sleepers.
Revisit historic seasons and legendary player performances (e.g., Tom Brady’s 2007 run, LSU 2019).
Join fan forums or social media groups focused on your favorite team.
Train like an athlete: adopt football-inspired workouts focusing on agility, strength, and endurance.

Factors That Could Shift the 2026 Season Dates

While current projections are stable, several factors could influence exact start dates:

International Games: The NFL may adjust Week 1 if London or Germany games require travel buffers.
Labor Disputes: CBA negotiations could delay training camp or preseason.
Broadcast Scheduling: Networks like NBC and CBS may push kickoff to maximize viewership.
Weather or Global Events: Though rare, pandemics or natural disasters have previously disrupted schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Football Season Timing

How many days until the next NFL season?

As of October 2025, there are approximately 330 days until the NFL regular season begins on September 4, 2026. Preseason action starts earlier, around August 21, 2026.

When does college football start in 2026?

The 2026 NCAA FBS football season is scheduled to begin on August 29, 2026, with early games often featuring top-ranked teams in neutral-site matchups.

Is there football year-round now?

Yes, due to the merger of the XFL and USFL into a single spring football league, organized professional football games occur nearly every month. The spring league runs from March through June, followed by summer breaks before the fall season.

What is the longest gap between NFL games?

The longest gap occurs between the Super Bowl (early February) and the first preseason game (~6 weeks later), totaling about 180 days without official games. However, with spring leagues, the actual football-free window is now closer to 45 days.

Will the NFL expand to 18 games per team in 2026?

No official announcement has been made yet. While discussions continue, the 2026 season is expected to maintain the current 17-game regular season format introduced in 2021. Any expansion would require union approval and scheduling adjustments.