NCAA Recommends Earlier Football Season Start in 2027

Proposed 14-week schedule would eliminate Week Zero exceptions and provide more rest for players.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:24pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a college football game, with sharp geometric shapes in navy, red, and yellow representing the dynamic action on the field.The NCAA's proposed changes to the FBS football calendar could reshape the sport's landscape in the coming years.New Haven Today

An NCAA committee has recommended that Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams play a 12-game schedule over 14 weeks starting in 2027, with the season beginning on the Thursday of what is currently designated as Week Zero and ending the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The proposed changes would eliminate exceptions for teams to play before the first contest date and provide two open dates for all teams, allowing more flexibility for potential College Football Playoff expansion and more rest for players.

Why it matters

The recommended changes aim to address concerns about player fatigue and burnout, particularly for teams advancing deep into the College Football Playoff. The earlier start date and additional open weeks could also pave the way for an expanded playoff format in the future.

The details

The Division I FBS Oversight Committee made the recommendation, which would require approval by the Division I Cabinet. The proposed 14-week regular season would start on the Thursday of what is now designated as Week Zero and end the Saturday after Thanksgiving, eliminating exceptions for teams to play before the first contest date. The two built-in open dates would provide more rest for players and flexibility for potential College Football Playoff expansion, which could require opening games in mid-December.

  • The 2026 season starts with eight Week Zero games on August 29.
  • The Division I Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the recommendation in June.

The players

Division I FBS Oversight Committee

The NCAA committee that made the recommendation for the earlier football season start.

Division I Cabinet

The NCAA governing body that will discuss and potentially approve the recommendation.

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What’s next

The Division I Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the recommendation in June and decide whether to approve the proposed changes to the FBS football schedule.

The takeaway

The NCAA's recommendation to start the FBS football season earlier and add more open weeks aims to address player fatigue and burnout, while also providing flexibility for potential future expansion of the College Football Playoff.