How Many Overtimes in College Football?

By Sarah Miller · November 29, 2025

In college football, there is no set limit on the number of overtimes—games continue until one team wins, with each overtime consisting of a possession for both teams from the opponent's 25-yard line. If the game remains tied after regulation, teams proceed to overtime under NCAA rules, starting with alternating possessions and progressing to a two-point conversion format starting in the third overtime.

How College Football Overtime Works

College football overtime follows a structured format designed to ensure a decisive outcome while maintaining fairness. Unlike professional leagues that may impose time limits or sudden-death rules, NCAA football continues until one team outscores the other after equal possessions.

Overtime Format Overview

Overtime begins if the score is tied after four quarters (regulation).
Each team gets one possession starting at the opponent's 25-yard line.
If one team scores more during their possession, they win.
If still tied, the game proceeds to another overtime period.
Starting in the third overtime, teams must attempt a 2-point conversion after any touchdown.
From the fifth overtime onward, teams alternate 2-point conversion attempts only.

NCAA Overtime Rules by Period

The NCAA implemented rule changes in 2021 to reduce prolonged games and player safety risks. These adjustments altered how overtimes are conducted beyond the second extra period.

Key Rule Changes Over Time

Pre-2021: Teams continued full possessions indefinitely.
Post-2021: Starting in the third overtime, teams must attempt 2-point conversions after touchdowns.
Fifth overtime and beyond: No more offensive drives; teams alternate 2-point attempts from the 2-yard line.

Overtime Period	Ball Placement	Conversion Rules	Notes
1st and 2nd OT	Opponent's 25-yard line	Extra point kick or 2-point try allowed	Standard possession; offense runs full drive
3rd and 4th OT	Opponent's 25-yard line	2-point conversion required after TD	No more PAT kicks after touchdowns
5th OT and beyond	2-yard line	Alternating 2-point attempts only	No traditional offensive drives; increased pressure

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights the progressive intensity of college football overtime rules. By eliminating traditional drives after the fourth overtime, the NCAA aims to reduce physical strain and shorten excessively long games. The shift to mandatory 2-point attempts increases strategic pressure and randomness, making outcomes more unpredictable in extended overtimes.

Famous and Longest College Football Overtimes

Some college football games have gone into multiple overtimes, becoming legendary due to their length and drama.

Notable Examples

2003 Arkansas vs. Kentucky: 7 overtimes, setting an NCAA record at the time.
2018 Texas vs. Oklahoma: Part of the Red River Showdown, went to 4 overtimes.
2021 Illinois vs. Penn State: Went to 9 overtimes, matching the NCAA record.
2021 Cincinnati vs. Houston: 2-hour, 10-minute overtime span across 2 overtimes; Bearcats won en route to playoff berth.

These games demonstrate how overtime can dramatically impact season outcomes, bowl eligibility, and national rankings. The 9-overtime games are particularly rare and physically grueling, prompting ongoing discussions about player welfare and rule sustainability.

Comparison with Other Football Leagues

College football's overtime system differs significantly from NFL, high school, and international formats.

Key Differences

NFL: Sudden death in playoffs; regular season allows one 10-minute OT period (no possession guarantee).
High School (NFHS): Varies by state; many use college-style rules but cap overtimes or revert to sudden death.
International (IFAB): Typically uses extra time (two 15-minute halves), then penalty shootouts in tournaments.

Unlike the NFL’s capped overtime, college football guarantees both teams a possession in each period, emphasizing fairness over efficiency. This makes college games potentially longer but more equitable in structure.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Football Overtime

How many overtimes can college football have?

There is no maximum limit on the number of overtimes in college football. Games continue until one team wins after equal possessions. However, starting in the fifth overtime, teams no longer run full offensive series and instead alternate 2-point conversion attempts from the 2-yard line.

What happens in the 3rd overtime in college football?

In the third and fourth overtime periods, teams still start at the opponent's 25-yard line, but after scoring a touchdown, they must attempt a 2-point conversion. Point-after-touchdown (PAT) kicks are no longer allowed after touchdowns in these periods.

Do teams get the ball every overtime in college football?

Yes, in the first four overtimes, both teams are guaranteed one possession unless the first team to possess the ball scores zero points. Starting in the fifth overtime, teams no longer run standard offensive plays and instead alternate 2-point conversion attempts from the 2-yard line.

When did college football change its overtime rules?

The NCAA changed its overtime rules in June 2021, implementing mandatory 2-point conversion attempts starting in the third overtime and eliminating offensive drives after the fourth overtime. These changes were made to reduce player fatigue and shorten excessively long games.

What is the longest overtime game in college football history?

The longest college football games by overtime count are the 2003 Arkansas vs. Kentucky and 2021 Illinois vs. Penn State matchups, both lasting 9 overtimes. These games are tied for the most overtimes in NCAA history.