How Many Days Until Football Season Starts?

By Sarah Miller · May 31, 2036

As of October 2025, there are approximately 245 days until the start of the 2026 NFL regular season, which is projected to begin on September 10, 2026. For college football, the 2026 season will kick off earlier, around August 29, 2026, meaning roughly 313 days remain. Countdowns vary by league and level of play, but fans can expect football action to return in late summer.

Understanding the Football Season Calendar

The countdown to football depends heavily on the league and competition level. While the NFL dominates U.S. viewership, college football, high school leagues, and international formats like Canadian Football League (CFL) each follow unique schedules.

NFL Season Timeline

The NFL regular season typically begins the weekend after Labor Day.
The 2026 NFL season is expected to start on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
Preseason games usually start in early August.
Training camps open in late July, marking the first official team activities.

College Football Schedule Overview

NCAA Division I FBS teams often begin their seasons in late August.
The 2026 college football season is projected to start on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Conference play intensifies from September through November.
The College Football Playoff culminates in early January.

Key Dates for Upcoming Football Seasons

Below is a detailed breakdown of anticipated start dates across major U.S. football leagues for the 2026 season. These dates are based on historical patterns and official announcements from previous cycles.

League	Season Start Date	Days Remaining (as of Oct 2025)	First Event Type
NFL Regular Season	September 10, 2026	245	Opening Night Game
NFL Preseason	August 8, 2026	282	First Preseason Match
College Football (FBS)	August 29, 2026	313	Non-Conference Games
CFL Regular Season	June 11, 2026	387	Week 1 Matchups
High School Football (USA)	August 21, 2026	305	State-Opening Games

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that while the NFL season starts later, preparations begin months in advance. College football returns earliest, giving fans more live games from late August. The CFL runs an earlier and shorter season, peaking in fall. These variations allow fans to enjoy football almost year-round with proper planning.

How to Prepare During the Countdown

Fans and fantasy players alike can use the off-season to get ready for kickoff. Here are actionable steps:

Fantasy Football Preparation

Join a fantasy league by April–May to secure a spot.
Monitor NFL Draft results and rookie signings.
Track free agency moves and quarterback transfers in college.
Start player rankings research by winter 2026.

Attending Live Games

Buy tickets early—prime matchups sell out months in advance.
Check team websites for home game schedules, usually released in January.
Plan travel for rivalry weeks or playoff-contending teams.
Look into tailgating permits and stadium policies.

Common Questions About Football Season Countdowns

How many days until the NFL season starts?

As of October 2025, there are about 245 days until the 2026 NFL regular season begins on September 10, 2026. Preseason games start earlier, around August 8, giving fans over 300 days of anticipation.

When does college football season start in 2026?

The 2026 NCAA football season is expected to begin on August 29, 2026. Some teams may play earlier in Hawaii or abroad due to scheduling exceptions, but most FBS programs kick off between August 26 and September 5.

Is football season every year?

Yes, professional and collegiate football seasons occur annually. The NFL has held a regular season every year since 1920, excluding labor-related cancellations. College football has been played yearly since the late 1800s, making it one of America’s longest-standing sports traditions.

What month does the NFL season start?

The NFL regular season traditionally starts in early September, specifically the Thursday following Labor Day. For 2026, this falls on September 10, marking the official return of weekly NFL action.

How long is the football season?

The NFL regular season lasts 18 weeks per team, running from early September to early January. Including playoffs, it extends into February. College football runs from late August to early January, with bowl games and the CFP National Championship concluding the calendar.