The NCAA’s FBS oversight committee just greenlit some wild changes to the college football calendar, and if they stick, we’re kicking off the 2027 season a whole week earlier. Get ready, because what’s currently Week 0 is set to become Week 1, potentially giving us more football sooner than ever!
An Earlier Start And More Breathing Room
Imagine getting your college football fix an extra week earlier! That’s the biggest takeaway from this new calendar. Starting in 2027, the season could begin on what we now call Week 0. But it’s not just about an earlier start. Each team would also pick up a second bye week during the season. Think about it: more strategic rest for the players, more flexibility for coaches. Josh Brooks, the vice chair of the oversight committee and athletic director at Georgia, said they worked super close with the American Football Coaches Association, and he’s “proud of this work.” Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea, who’s also on the committee and president of the AFCA, even called it a “great step forward for our game,” adding it’ll “allow for more flexibility for team building in the spring and summer.”
Offseason Shake-Ups And A Quicker Portal
The committee also approved some big shifts to how teams handle offseason activities. Spring practices and summer workouts? They’re getting an overhaul. Under the new policy, teams get 21 on-field practices, split into two sessions. Those sessions combined can’t go over seven weeks, and no single session can be longer than five. Plus, schools will have to set aside a minimum of nine discretionary or voluntary weeks where athletes aren’t allowed to have any athletic activities. The preseason is getting trimmed too, from 25 practices over 31 days down to 21 practices over 27 calendar days. And hey, for all you portal watchers, the transfer portal window in January is getting slashed from 15 days down to a tight 10. That means teams, coaches, and fans will be holding their breath for less time!
What’s Next For This Gridiron Gamble?
So, when does this all go down? The Division I Cabinet still has to give its stamp of approval. They’re meeting on October 6-7, and if they say yes, these changes go into effect on January 1. Keep your eyes peeled, folks, because college football could look a whole lot different in just a few short years.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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