NCAA Proposes Earlier Football Season Start

Committee recommends 12-game schedule over 14 weeks starting in 2027

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:07pm

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A cubist, fragmented painting depicting a college football game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the team's official colors, conveying the conceptual changes to the sport's schedule.A conceptual illustration capturing the geometric, multi-angled perspective of the proposed changes to the college football calendar.Indianapolis Today

The NCAA has proposed a new schedule for Football Bowl Subdivision teams, recommending a 12-game season played over 14 weeks starting in 2027. The season would begin on the Thursday of what is currently designated as 'Week Zero' and end earlier than the current schedule.

Why it matters

This proposed change aims to create a more consistent and predictable football calendar for players, coaches, and fans. It could also allow for more flexibility in scheduling and potentially reduce the number of games played during the hottest summer months.

The details

The NCAA committee's recommendation calls for Football Bowl Subdivision teams to play a 12-game schedule over 14 weeks, starting the season on the Thursday of what is now designated as 'Week Zero' and ending the regular season earlier than the current schedule.

  • The proposed changes would take effect starting in 2027.

The players

NCAA

The National Collegiate Athletic Association, the primary governing body for college sports in the United States.

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What’s next

The NCAA's recommendation will now go to the Division I Council for further consideration and potential approval.

The takeaway

This proposal aims to create a more streamlined and consistent football calendar, potentially benefiting players, coaches, and fans. If approved, it would mark a significant change to the college football season structure.