How Many Games in NCAA Football Season?

By Sarah Miller · August 2, 2036

The NCAA football season consists of 12 regular-season games for most teams, followed by a postseason that includes conference championships and bowl games or playoff matchups, potentially bringing a team’s total to 15 or more games depending on success and qualification.

Structure of the NCAA Football Season

The NCAA football season is divided into three main phases: the regular season, the postseason, and the national championship. Each phase plays a crucial role in determining rankings, bowl eligibility, and ultimately, the national champion.

Regular Season

All NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams are allowed to play up to 12 regular-season games. These games typically run from late August through early December. Teams schedule opponents independently, though each must play at least six home games and face conference rivals as part of their lineup.

Maximum of 12 regular-season games
Season starts in late August or early September
Conference matchups are mandatory
Teams may apply for a 13th game under specific conditions (e.g., Hawaii exemption)

Postseason and Bowl Games

After the regular season, eligible teams enter the postseason. To qualify for a bowl game, a team must achieve at least six wins with a minimum of five against FBS opponents. There are over 40 bowl games, offering additional playing opportunities.

Bowl eligibility requires a 6-6 record (or 5-7 with APR considerations)
Bowl season runs from mid-December to early January
Most teams play one bowl game, adding a 13th game

College Football Playoff and National Championship

Starting in the 2024 season, the College Football Playoff (CFP) expands to 12 teams. The top four conference champions earn automatic bids, while the next best eight teams are selected by a committee. The playoff includes quarterfinals, semifinals, and the national championship game.

Playoff begins in December
Quarterfinals and semifinals hosted at major bowl sites
National Championship game held at a neutral site in January
Playoff participants can play up to two additional games

Detailed Breakdown of Game Counts by Team Performance

The total number of games a team plays depends on its win-loss record, conference standing, and postseason qualifications. Below is a breakdown based on real data from the 2023 and projected 2024 seasons.

Team	Regular Season Games	Conference Championship?	Bowl Game	Playoff Appearance	Total Games Played
Georgia (2023)	12	Yes	No (National Champion)	Yes	15
TCU (2022)	12	No	Yes	Yes	14
Michigan (2023)	12	Yes	No (National Champion)	Yes	15
Alabama (2023)	12	No	Yes	No	13
Purdue (2023)	12	No	Yes	No	13
New Mexico State (2023)	12	No	No	No	12

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that successful teams often play 14–15 games due to participation in conference championships, bowl games, and the College Football Playoff. Average teams with bowl eligibility typically reach 13 games, while those below .500 or without bowl bids finish with exactly 12. The expansion to a 12-team playoff in 2024 will increase postseason opportunities and overall game counts for top programs.

Frequently Asked Questions About NCAA Football Season Length

How many games are in an NCAA football regular season?

NCAA FBS teams play up to 12 regular-season games, usually scheduled between late August and early December. Some teams may play a 13th regular-season game if they receive special exemptions, such as those located in Hawaii.

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

No, not all teams play the same number of games. While all teams play up to 12 regular-season games, only eligible teams participate in conference championships, bowl games, or the College Football Playoff, which increases their total game count.

Can a college football team play 13 regular-season games?

Yes, but only under specific circumstances. Teams from Hawaii or those playing in Hawaii may petition for a 13th regular-season game to offset travel challenges. This exception is approved by the NCAA on a case-by-case basis.

How many games do playoff teams play in NCAA football?

Teams in the 12-team College Football Playoff format can play up to two additional games: one in the quarterfinals and one in the semifinals, culminating in the national championship. Combined with a conference title game and regular season, this can result in 15 total games.

When does the NCAA football season end?

The NCAA football season concludes in early January with the College Football Playoff National Championship game. Bowl games begin in mid-December, and the playoff semifinals and final are held in December and January at rotating neutral sites.