When Does College Football Practice Start? 2025 Dates

By Sarah Miller · October 30, 2032

College football practice typically starts in early August, with most teams beginning preseason camp around the first or second week of the month to prepare for the regular season, which kicks off in late August or early September.

When Does College Football Practice Start?

The official start of college football practice varies slightly by team and division, but NCAA regulations set clear guidelines. For Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams, preseason practice generally begins in early August. In 2025, most programs will start full-contact training camp between August 1st and August 10th, depending on their academic calendar and game schedule.

NCAA Rules Governing Practice Start Dates

Teams are allowed 29 total practice days during preseason camp.
Two-a-day practices are limited and must be separated by at least three hours of rest.
Full pads are not permitted in the first five days of contact drills.
Countable athletically related activities are capped at four hours per day and 20 hours per week.

Preseason vs. In-Season Practice Schedules

Understanding the difference between preseason and in-season practice helps clarify when athletes begin training each year.

Preseason Camp Overview

Preseason camp is the most intense period of preparation. It includes conditioning, playbook installation, position-specific drills, and controlled scrimmages. Coaches use this time to evaluate players and finalize depth charts before the first game.

In-Season Practice Structure

Once the regular season begins, practice volume decreases. Teams typically hold lighter sessions Monday through Friday, focusing on recovery, film study, and game planning. Saturday is usually reserved for games, followed by a day off on Sunday.

Team	Conference	Expected 2025 Practice Start Date	First Game Date	Days Between Practice and Game
Alabama	SEC	August 3, 2025	August 30, 2025	27
Ohio State	Big Ten	August 2, 2025	August 30, 2025	28
Georgia	SEC	August 4, 2025	August 30, 2025	26
Oregon	Big Ten	August 1, 2025	September 6, 2025	36
Texas	SEC	August 5, 2025	September 6, 2025	32
Clemson	ACC	August 2, 2025	August 30, 2025	28
Michigan	Big Ten	August 3, 2025	August 30, 2025	27

Table data source:NCAA, Sports Reference

The data shows that most Power Five conference teams begin practice within a narrow window—between August 1 and August 5. The number of preparation days varies from 26 to 36, influenced by kickoff game timing. Teams playing earlier openers have less ramp-up time, increasing injury risk if conditioning isn't optimal.

Factors That Influence Practice Start Dates

Several variables affect when a college football team can begin organized practice.

Academic Calendar

Schools with early semester start dates may begin practice sooner. For example, universities starting fall classes in mid-August often align camp with orientation week.

Weather and Climate

Teams in hotter regions like the Southeastern U.S. often schedule early morning or evening practices to avoid peak heat. Some programs implement strict hydration and cooling protocols during August workouts.

Bowl Eligibility and Postseason Play

Teams participating in bowl games or playoff contests may extend their season into January, shortening offseason recovery. However, they follow the same August restart timeline the following year.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Football Practice

When does college football practice start in 2025?

Most college football teams will begin preseason practice in early August 2025, with exact dates ranging from August 1 to August 10 depending on the school and conference.

How long is college football preseason camp?

Preseason camp lasts approximately four weeks, including 29 allowable practice days under NCAA rules. The duration allows for conditioning, technique work, and scrimmage evaluations before the first game.

Can college football players practice during summer break?

Yes, but only non-contact workouts supervised by strength coaches. Full-team padded practices cannot begin until official preseason camp starts in August.

Do all NCAA divisions start practice at the same time?

No. While FBS teams typically start in early August, NCAA Division II and III programs may begin slightly later based on institutional schedules, though most fall within the same general timeframe.

What is two-a-day practice in college football?

Two-a-day practices involve two separate training sessions in one day, common during preseason camp. NCAA rules require at least three hours of rest between sessions and limit them to certain periods to reduce injury risk.