Most Overtimes in College Football Game

By Sarah Miller · July 24, 2038

The most overtimes in a single college football game is seven, which has occurred twice in NCAA history—first in the 2003 Arkansas vs. Kentucky game and again in the 2021 Texas quadruple-overtime win over Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship.

Understanding Overtime Rules in College Football

College football games that end in a tie after four quarters go into overtime to determine a winner. Unlike the NFL, NCAA football uses a possession-based overtime system where each team gets a chance to score from the opponent's 25-yard line.

How Overtime Works

Each team gets one possession per overtime period.
If both teams are tied after their possessions, another overtime begins.
Starting in the fifth overtime, teams must attempt a 2-point conversion after a touchdown.
The game continues until one team outscores the other in a complete round.

Games With the Most Overtimes

Only two games in NCAA Division I FBS history have reached the maximum possible overtimes under current rules: seven overtimes.

Date	Teams	Final Score	Overtime Periods	Winner
Nov 1, 2003	Arkansas vs. Kentucky	71-63	7	Arkansas
Dec 4, 2021	Texas vs. Oklahoma State	49-48 (4OT)	4	Texas
Oct 29, 2016	Iowa vs. Penn State	41-31	6	Penn State
Oct 17, 2015	Tennessee vs. Alabama	53-47	4	Tennessee
Sep 26, 2020	Louisiana vs. Appalachian State	38-34	5	Louisiana

Table data source:1, 2

The 2003 Arkansas-Kentucky game remains the longest by period count, totaling seven overtimes with a combined 134 points. Since then, rule changes have discouraged excessively long games, including mandatory 2-point attempts from the second overtime onward starting in 2019, and later adjustments in 2021 requiring alternating 2-point tries starting in the third OT.

Why Games Go Into Multiple Overtimes

Several factors contribute to extended overtime games:

Offensive Efficiency: High-powered offenses can consistently score touchdowns in short fields.
Defensive Adjustments: Defenses may force field goals instead of allowing TDs, keeping scores close.
Coaching Strategy: Conservative play-calling or failed 2-point conversions prolong games.
Rule Structure: The even possession model encourages parity in early OT periods.

Impact of Rule Changes Over Time

The NCAA has modified overtime procedures to improve player safety and reduce game length. In 2019, teams were required to run 2-point conversion attempts from the 2-point line starting in the second overtime. In 2021, the rule evolved further: beginning in the third overtime, teams alternate possessions attempting 2-point plays without running a snap from scrimmage.

These changes aim to increase strategic decisions and decrease physical wear, especially during non-championship games.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Football Overtime

What is the record for most overtimes in a college football game?

The record is seven overtimes, set in the 2003 matchup between Arkansas and Kentucky, which ended 71-63.

How does college football overtime differ from the NFL?

College football gives both teams a possession in each overtime, while the NFL uses a modified sudden-death format where the first team to score wins unless the other responds.

When did college football start using overtime?

NCAA Division I FBS adopted overtime rules in 1996. Before that, games could end in ties.

Do all college football games play overtime?

Yes, all regular-season and conference games use overtime to determine a winner. However, some bowl games and the College Football Playoff follow the same rules.

Has any game gone beyond seven overtimes?

No. The NCAA limits games to a maximum of seven overtimes. If still tied after seven, the game proceeds to a shootout-style 2-point conversion competition.