Who Plays Football at 1:00? NFL, College & High School Schedules

By Sarah Miller · April 14, 2040

Football at 1:00 is typically played by NFL teams during Sunday afternoon games, college football programs on Saturdays, and high school squads regionally across the U.S., depending on local schedules and broadcast arrangements.

When Is Football Played at 1:00?

The 1:00 PM time slot is a staple in American football scheduling, especially for weekend games. This time frame primarily applies to:

NFL regular season games on Sundays
College football matchups on Saturdays
High school games scheduled regionally on Fridays or Saturdays
Youth and amateur leagues organizing weekend play

This early afternoon window maximizes viewership, accommodates family audiences, and aligns with broadcasting networks' programming strategies.

NFL Games at 1:00 PM ET

Scheduling Overview

The National Football League (NFL) designates 1:00 PM Eastern Time as one of its primary kickoff slots for Sunday games during the regular season (September to January). These games are typically regional broadcasts aired on CBS and FOX.

Teams playing at this hour vary weekly based on standings, broadcast rights, and geographic distribution to ensure national coverage.

Key Features of 1:00 NFL Games

Broadcast Networks: CBS and FOX rotate AFC and NFC regional games
Game Frequency: 8–10 games weekly during the regular season
Audience Reach: Targets local markets and broad regional viewership
Flex Scheduling: Late-season changes may shift high-profile games to prime time

Season	Total 1:00 ET Games	Average Viewers (Millions)	Primary Network
2022	89	17.4	CBS/FOX
2021	91	16.9	CBS/FOX
2020	87	15.8	CBS/FOX
2019	90	16.1	CBS/FOX

Table data source:1, 2

Data shows consistent scheduling of approximately 90 games annually in the 1:00 PM ET window, with average viewership exceeding 16 million per game. CBS and FOX maintain balanced distribution, reflecting the NFL's strategy to maximize regional engagement before primetime broadcasts.

College Football at 1:00 PM

Collegiate football frequently uses the 1:00 PM time slot, particularly for non-conference matchups and road games. The NCAA allows flexibility, but television contracts influence start times.

Factors Influencing 1:00 College Kickoffs

Television network agreements (e.g., ABC, ESPN)
Travel logistics for away teams
Weather considerations in northern regions
Avoiding overlap with NFL broadcasts in the same market

Power Five conference teams like Alabama, Ohio State, and Michigan often play early afternoons when hosting non-major opponents.

High School and Youth Football

At the scholastic level, 1:00 PM games are common, especially in states where Friday night lights dominate. Some regions schedule Saturday afternoons at 1:00 PM to avoid conflicts or extreme heat.

States like Texas and Florida use staggered kickoffs
Youth leagues often play 1:00 PM games on weekends
Tournaments and playoffs may feature multiple 1:00 games

Frequently Asked Questions About Football at 1:00

Who plays football at 1:00 on Sundays?

NFL teams are scheduled in 1:00 PM Eastern Time games each Sunday during the regular season. The specific teams vary weekly based on league planning, division matchups, and broadcast needs. Typically, regional games are shown on CBS or FOX.

Why does the NFL have 1:00 PM games?

The NFL schedules 1:00 PM ET games to maximize regional viewership, accommodate multiple simultaneous broadcasts, and provide family-friendly viewing. It also allows networks to air pre-game shows and ensures stadium operations run smoothly without extending into late evening hours.

Are all 1:00 games on the same channel?

No. In the NFL, 1:00 PM ET games are split between CBS and FOX. CBS typically airs AFC interconference games, while FOX carries NFC games. Local markets receive broadcasts based on team location and matchup.

Do college teams play at 1:00 PM?

Yes, many college football teams play at 1:00 PM, especially during non-conference weeks or when hosting smaller programs. Broadcast exposure and travel logistics often determine these early start times.

Can high school football games be at 1:00?

Yes, high school football games are often scheduled at 1:00 PM, particularly in states that limit Friday night events or during playoff tournaments. Weekend afternoons allow broader community attendance and avoid weekday academic conflicts.