How Many Games in a College Football Season?

By Sarah Miller · June 24, 2045

College football teams typically play 12 regular-season games, with the potential for up to 15 total games including conference championships and bowl games or playoff appearances.

Structure of a College Football Season

The NCAA college football season follows a structured format that varies slightly depending on division (FBS, FCS, etc.), but the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is the most prominent. Teams begin with a 12-game regular season, usually running from late August or early September through November. Afterward, select teams advance to postseason play.

Regular Season Games

All FBS teams are allowed to schedule up to 12 regular-season games.
Teams may play a 13th regular-season game under specific circumstances, such as when facing Hawaii due to travel considerations.
The regular season typically concludes in late November or early December.

Postseason Opportunities

Conference Championship Games: Winners of each FBS conference division compete in a title game, adding a 13th game for participants.
Bowl Games: Over 40 bowl games offer additional matchups; eligibility requires at least six wins.
College Football Playoff (CFP): The top four teams compete in semifinals, with winners advancing to the National Championship, potentially making it 15 total games.

Breakdown of Game Counts by Team Performance

The total number of games a team plays depends on their success and conference structure. Below is a detailed breakdown based on performance tiers:

Team Performance Level	Regular Season Games	Conference Championship	Bowl Game	Playoff Appearance	Total Games Played
Average Team (No Postseason)	12	0	0	0	12
Conference Champion (Non-Playoff)	12	1	1	0	14
Playoff Semifinalist	12	1	1	1	15
National Champion	12	1	1	2	16
Hawaii Exception + Bowl	13	0	1	0	14

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates how postseason success directly increases total game count. Most teams play 12 games, but elite programs can reach 15 or even 16 if they win the national title. The Hawaii rule allows an extra regular-season game to offset travel burdens, benefiting opponents who face them.

Key Factors Influencing Total Game Count

Several variables determine how many games a college football team plays each season:

Division and Classification

FBS teams have more postseason opportunities than FCS, Division II, or III. FCS teams participate in a 24-team playoff, capping at 15 games for champions, while lower divisions have shorter playoff brackets.

Win-Loss Record

To qualify for a bowl game, FBS teams must achieve at least six wins, with exceptions possible based on APR scores. Better records increase chances of postseason inclusion.

Scheduling Rules

The NCAA permits one FBS team per season to play 13 regular-season games if they host or travel to Hawaii, minimizing competitive disadvantage due to extended travel.

Common Questions About College Football Season Length

How many games are in a college football regular season?

FBS teams play 12 regular-season games, though they can play 13 if scheduling against Hawaii.

Do all college football teams play the same number of games?

No, game counts vary based on division, scheduling rules, and postseason eligibility. Successful teams play more games.

Can a college football team play 15 games in a season?

Yes, a team that plays 12 regular-season games, a conference championship, a bowl game, and two playoff games (semifinal and final) can play 15 games.

Why do some teams play 13 regular-season games?

The NCAA allows an extra regular-season game (13 instead of 12) for teams playing Hawaii to compensate for the logistical challenges of intercontinental travel.

How does the College Football Playoff affect total games played?

The playoff adds up to two extra games for participating teams—one semifinal and one championship—potentially bringing their season total to 15 games.