College football in the United States is structured around a seasonal cycle. The season typically begins in late summer, aligning with the academic calendar of universities, and runs through fall with postseason play into winter for playoffs and bowl games.
Typical Start Dates and Preseason Timeline
Traditionally, many college football teams begin their season on the Saturday before Labor Day, which falls in late August or early September.
In recent years, some games have moved to an earlier “Week 0” a small opening weekend a week before the main kickoffs — to allow more flexibility in scheduling and media coverage.
What Is “Week 0”?
“Week 0” refers to an early opening weekend when a handful of games — usually involving select teams — are played just before the majority of the season begins.
For example, in 2025 the regular season for top‑level college football begins on Saturday, August 23.
Preseason Camps and Practices
Before official games begin, teams hold preseason training camps, practices, conditioning, and sometimes scrimmages or exhibition events.
This preparatory phase typically starts in mid to late summer, giving players time to train physically and build team cohesion ahead of kickoff.
Conference Schedules and Season Openers
Once preseason is over, each team’s schedule is often set by their athletic conference. Depending on conference rules and agreements, some teams might start earlier (Week 0) while others start with the traditional opening weekend around Labor Day.
The full season then unfolds through the fall with weekly games, conference matchups, and opening games often being highlighted and broadcast nationally.
Early‑Season Games and Kickoff Classics
Early-season games — including “Kickoff Classics,” rivalry matchups, or non-conference showdowns — frequently occur during the first few weeks. These games help set momentum for teams and often draw significant attention from fans and media.
How Broadcast & Media Agreements Affect Start Times
Media, TV networks, and broadcast contracts influence scheduling. To maximize exposure and viewership, some games are scheduled in Week 0. Others are placed around holidays or weekends to draw larger audiences.
Impact of Academic Calendar, Holidays, & Weekends
Because college football is tied to university schedules, start times often align with the academic year start. Holiday weekends — like Labor Day — are common for season openers, maximizing attendance and engagement.
Season Progression: Regular Season vs. Postseason
The regular college football season usually runs from late August (or early September) through early December. For example, the 2025 regular season spans August 23 – December 13.
After that, postseason begins, including bowl games, playoffs, and championships — extending the football calendar into December and January.
Conclusion
College football typically kicks off in late August or early September, with a growing trend toward an earlier “Week 0” start for some teams. The season’s rhythm — from preseason camps through regular‑season games and finally to postseason — aligns closely with academic cycles and cultural traditions, offering fans a consistent rhythm of excitement each fall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When does college football usua lly start?
A: Most seasons begin the Saturday before Labor Day (late August or early September), though some seasons now feature games during a pre‑season “Week 0.”
Q: What is Week 0 in college football?
A: Week 0 is a special early kickoff window — one week before the main season — when a select number of games are played.
Q: When did the 2025 college football season begin?
A: The 2025 season began on Saturday, August 23.
Q: When does the regular season end, and when does postseason begin?
A: For 2025, the regular season runs through December 13. Postseason (bowl games and playoffs) follows, extending into January.
Q: Do all college teams start at the same time?
A: No — while many start around Labor Day weekend, some begin during Week 0 (if granted a waiver), and schedules vary by conference and team.
