How Many Overtime Periods in College Football?

By Sarah Miller · August 28, 2049

In college football, games can have multiple overtime periods if needed to determine a winner. Since 2021, NCAA rules mandate that each team gets a possession starting from the opponent's 25-yard line beginning in the second overtime. If the game remains tied after two overtimes, teams must attempt a two-point conversion after touchdowns. There is no set limit on the number of overtimes, but games typically end once a winner is decided through this alternating possession format.

How College Football Overtime Works

College football uses an overtime system designed to ensure a decisive outcome when regulation time ends in a tie. Unlike the NFL, which has a modified sudden-death format, NCAA football guarantees both teams at least one possession per overtime period (after the first), making it more balanced and competitive.

Key Features of NCAA Overtime Rules

Overtime begins with a coin toss; the winner chooses to play defense or offense first.
The first overtime: Each team gets one possession from the opponent’s 25-yard line.
If still tied after the first OT, additional possessions continue under the same rule.
Starting in the second overtime, if a team scores a touchdown, they must attempt a 2-point conversion.
From the third overtime onward, teams alternate 2-point conversion attempts without running full offensive series.
There is no time limit on how many overtimes can occur—games continue until a winner is determined.

History and Evolution of Overtime Rules

Prior to 1996, college football games could end in ties. The NCAA introduced overtime to increase excitement and ensure definitive results, especially during bowl season and conference play.

Milestones in NCAA Overtime Changes

1996: Overtime was officially adopted for regular-season games.
2002: Rule added requiring teams to run a 2-point conversion attempt after a touchdown in the second overtime.
2019: Coaches challenged whether teams should start possessions deeper than the 25-yard line due to high scoring.
2021: Major rule change implemented—teams now start at the 25-yard line in all overtimes, and from the third OT forward, only 2-point conversion attempts are allowed.

Notable Long Overtime Games in College Football

Some college football games have gone into multiple overtimes, creating legendary moments and testing player endurance.

Game	Date	Teams	Overtime Periods	Final Score
Illinois vs. Penn State	Oct 23, 2021	Illinois vs. Penn State	9	20–18 (Illinois)
Western Kentucky vs. Central Michigan	Nov 2, 2019	WKU vs. CMU	8	59–57 (WKU)
Texas vs. Syracuse	Jan 2, 2013	Texas vs. Syracuse	6	36–33 (Texas)
Arkansas vs. Ole Miss	Nov 4, 2001	Arkansas vs. Ole Miss	7	58–56 (Arkansas)
LSU vs. Alabama	Nov 5, 2011	LSU vs. Alabama	1	9–6 (LSU)

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that while most overtime games conclude within 1–2 periods, extreme cases like the 9-overtime thriller between Illinois and Penn State highlight the physical and strategic demands of extended play. These marathon games prompted the NCAA to revise rules in 2021 to reduce injury risks and game duration by eliminating traditional drives beyond the third overtime.

Strategy and Coaching Decisions in Overtime

Coaches face critical choices during overtime, including whether to go for a touchdown or kick a field goal, when to use timeouts, and whether to attempt a 2-point conversion.

Common Strategic Considerations

Deferring possession: Many teams choose to go on defense first to know exactly what score they need.
Risk assessment: In later overtimes, going for 2 becomes essential, especially if trailing by 8 points.
Fatigue management: Players are often exhausted; substitutions and conditioning become crucial.
Special teams usage: Kickers may be used early in OT to secure a lead, but their role diminishes in later rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Overtime in College Football

How many overtimes can a college football game have?

There is no maximum limit on the number of overtimes in college football. Games continue with alternating possessions until one team outscores the other after equal opportunities. However, starting in the third overtime, teams only attempt 2-point conversions instead of full drives, increasing the likelihood of a quicker resolution.

What happens after the first overtime in college football?

After the first overtime, each team still gets a possession from the opponent’s 25-yard line. If the game remains tied, the second overtime follows the same format, but any touchdown scored requires a 2-point conversion attempt. This rule increases strategic pressure and reduces reliance on field goals.

Do teams get the ball every overtime in college football?

Yes, starting with the 1996 rule change, both teams are guaranteed at least one possession in every overtime period unless the first team to possess scores a touchdown and the second team fails to match or exceed that score. This prevents sudden-death scenarios and ensures fairness.

When did college football start using overtime?

College football officially adopted overtime rules in 1996 for regular-season games. Before this, games could end in ties. The change was made to enhance competitiveness and fan engagement, particularly as more televised games highlighted the need for conclusive outcomes.

Why does college football not have sudden death overtime?

College football avoids pure sudden-death rules to maintain fairness. Allowing both teams a chance to possess the ball prevents situations where the team winning the coin toss wins immediately with a field goal. The current system emphasizes balance and competitive equity, even though it may extend game length.