How Many Weeks in College Football Season?

By Sarah Miller · August 30, 2031

College football typically spans 13 regular-season weeks, followed by a postseason that can extend play into January, totaling up to 15 weeks of competition.

Understanding the College Football Season Structure

The NCAA college football season is structured around a combination of regular-season games, conference championships, and bowl or playoff matchups. The standard regular season consists of 12 scheduled games over 13 weeks, allowing for one open date (bye week) per team. This structure provides flexibility for scheduling and player recovery.

Key Components of the Season

Regular Season: Runs from late August or early September through late November or early December.
Conference Championships: Held in early December for teams that qualify.
Bowl Games and Playoff: Begin mid-December and conclude with the College Football Playoff National Championship in January.

How the Weekly Schedule Works

Most teams play one game per week, usually on Saturdays. The official NCAA regular season allows for 12 games, though teams may play 13 if they meet specific criteria, such as scheduling a 13th game in a season with 15 Saturdays between the first and last Saturday of the season.

Regular Season Game Limits

Standard limit: 12 games
13-game allowance: Permitted in designated years with extended calendars
No overtime limit: Games continue until a winner is determined

Postseason Expansion and Its Impact on Duration

The introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff format starting in 2024 significantly impacts the overall timeline. While the regular season remains largely unchanged, the expanded playoff adds two additional rounds before the national championship.

First Round: Early December (after conference championships)
Quarterfinals and Semifinals: New Year’s Week and weekend
National Championship: Late January

This expansion increases the total possible number of weeks from kickoff to finale, potentially extending team participation into the 15th week of competition.

Season Component	Weeks	Typical Dates	Games per Team
Regular Season	13	First Saturday in September – Last Saturday in November	12–13
Conference Championships	1	First Saturday in December	1
Bowl Games (Non-Playoff)	3	Middle to end of December	1
College Football Playoff	3	Mid-December to Late January	2–3
Total Possible Duration	15	Early September – Late January	Up to 15 games

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates how individual teams experience varying lengths of seasons based on performance and postseason inclusion. A non-playoff team may finish after 13 weeks, while a national champion could play up to 15 weeks. The expanded playoff system increases both duration and competitive opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Football Weeks

How many weeks does the college football regular season last?

The college football regular season lasts 13 weeks, during which teams typically play 12 games, sometimes 13 depending on the calendar year and scheduling rules.

Can college football teams play more than 12 games?

Yes, teams can play up to 13 regular-season games if the season includes 15 Saturdays between the first and last Saturday of the playing period, as defined by NCAA rules.

When does the college football postseason begin?

The college football postseason begins in mid-December with early bowl games, followed by conference championships and the College Football Playoff starting in early January under the new 12-team format.

How long is the entire college football season including playoffs?

The entire college football season, from the first regular-season game to the National Championship, spans approximately 15 weeks, concluding in mid-to-late January.

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

No, not all teams play the same number of games. Most play 12 regular-season games, but some play 13. Teams that qualify for conference championships or bowl games will play additional postseason contests.