When Is College Football Season? 2025 Schedule Guide

By Sarah Miller · August 25, 2029

The college football season in the United States typically runs from late August to early January, with the regular season starting around the end of August or beginning of September and concluding with conference championships in early December. The postseason, including bowl games and the College Football Playoff, extends into January, culminating in the National Championship game.

When Does the College Football Season Start?

The start of the college football season varies slightly each year but generally begins in late August. For the 2025 season, Week 1 is scheduled for August 30, 2025. Most teams play their first games during this weekend, though some FBS programs may play earlier due to NCAA exceptions for games held abroad or in specific locations like Hawaii.

Key Dates in the 2025 College Football Calendar

Regular Season Start: August 30, 2025
Conference Play Begins: Early to mid-September
Rivalry Week & Championship Games: First weekend of December
Bowl Season Begins: Mid-December (e.g., December 20, 2025)
New Year's Six Bowls: January 1–2, 2026
College Football Playoff National Championship: January 19, 2026

How Long Is the College Football Season?

The total duration of the college football season spans approximately five months. Teams that do not participate in bowl games usually finish by early December after 12 regular-season games. However, teams competing in conference championships and postseason bowl games can extend their season into January. National championship contenders may play as many as 15 games over this period.

Structure of the College Football Season

Preseason: Begins with fall camp in July and includes team practices and scrimmages.
Regular Season: 12-game schedule per team, typically played from late August to late November.
Conference Championships: Held on the first Saturday of December for leagues such as the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and others.
Bowl Season: Features over 40 postseason games, starting in mid-December and ending in early January.
College Football Playoff (CFP): Involves a four-team bracket, with semifinals at New Year’s Six bowls and the final held at a neutral site.

When Do Different Divisions Play?

While most public attention focuses on the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), other divisions have similar but distinct schedules:

FBS: Late August to January (for playoff teams).
FCS: Regular season ends in November; playoffs run from late November to January, with the championship game typically in early January.
DII & DIII: Seasons begin in September and conclude with national championships in December.

Division	Season Start	Season End (Non-Playoff)	Championship Game Date (2025)	Games Played
FBS	August 30, 2025	Early December	January 19, 2026	12–15
FCS	August 30, 2025	Mid-November	January 7, 2026	11–15
DII	September 6, 2025	November	December 20, 2025	10–14
DIII	September 6, 2025	November	December 19, 2025	9–15

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while all NCAA football divisions follow a similar autumn timeline, the FBS has the longest possible season due to its extended bowl system and playoff format. FCS, DII, and DIII rely on tournament-based conclusions, resulting in shorter overall seasons but intense postseason competition. The number of games increases significantly for teams advancing deep into playoffs, especially at the FBS level.

How Is the College Football Playoff Structured?

Starting in the 2024 season, the College Football Playoff expanded from four to twelve teams. The new format includes six automatic qualifiers (conference champions) and six at-large bids selected by a committee. The top four seeds receive first-round byes. Quarterfinals and semifinals are hosted at major bowl games, with the National Championship game held at a neutral site.

2025–2026 CFP Key Dates

Selection Day: December 7, 2025
First Round: December 20–21, 2025
Quarterfinals (NY6 Bowls): December 31, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Semifinals (Rotating NY6 Bowls): January 8–9, 2026
National Championship Game: January 19, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Frequently Asked Questions About College Football Season

When does the 2025 college football season start?

The 2025 college football season officially begins on August 30, 2025, with several FBS matchups scheduled for that opening weekend.

How many games are in a college football season?

A typical FBS team plays 12 regular-season games. With a conference championship and a bowl game, they can play up to 14 games. Teams in the College Football Playoff may play 15 games if they reach the national title game.

Do all college teams play the same number of games?

No. While FBS teams are limited to 12 regular-season games (plus postseason), FCS, DII, and DIII teams may play fewer regular-season games. Postseason participation depends on rankings, conference results, and selection criteria.

What time does the college football season end?

The college football season concludes with the National Championship game, which in 2026 is scheduled for January 19. For non-playoff teams, the season typically ends in late November or early December.

Why do some college football teams play games in August?

Some teams play in late August due to NCAA rules allowing exceptions for travel to distant locations (e.g., Hawaii) or international games. Additionally, scheduling conflicts and television agreements often influence early start dates.

How is the College Football Playoff different now?

Beginning in 2024, the College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams: six conference champions and six at-large bids. The top four seeds receive byes, and the tournament includes a first round hosted at campus sites before moving to the traditional New Year’s Six bowl games.