The FBS Supervision Committee Approves Legislative Changes to the College Football Calendar

The Bowl Subdivision Supervision Committee of NCAA Division I (FBS) has approved key proposals to modify the college football calendar, providing greater flexibility to universities, coaches, and student-athletes starting in 2027. These modifications, which affect off-season practices, pre-season, and transfer periods, will be subject to final approval by the Division I Cabinet at the scheduled meeting on October 6-7.

Changes in Off-Season Activities in the FBS

The new model will replace existing rules regarding spring practices and summer activities, allowing FBS schools to organize two off-season practice periods with a total of 21 practices on the field. These two combined periods cannot exceed seven weeks, and no individual period can last more than five weeks.

Additionally, each university must designate at least nine voluntary or rest weeks, during which mandatory sport-related activities are not allowed. This new scheme aims to balance sports preparation with the academic and personal well-being of athletes.

Fewer Days and Practices in the FBS Pre-Season

Starting in 2027, the pre-season period will be reduced from 31 to 27 calendar days, and the number of practices will decrease from 25 to 21. This decision is in response to expanded opportunities for training during spring and summer as outlined in the new off-season model. The Committee estimates that these changes will provide greater efficiency and a progressive approach to team preparation.

“We dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to build a calendar that meets the needs of both coaches and student-athletes,” stated Josh Brooks, vice president of the FBS Supervision Committee and athletic director of Georgia, who chaired the subgroup responsible for these adaptations.

Transfer Period: Modification for January

Likewise, the period to notify the intent to transfer in January is cut from fifteen to ten days, beginning on the first business day after January 1. This adjustment seeks to optimize logistics for movements between programs and provide greater predictability for athletes and universities.

New Dates for Start and End of the Regular Season

The FBS Calendar Subgroup also presented recommendations to change the date of the first game of the season, which will take place on Thursday of the week currently considered as ‘Week 0’ starting in 2027, concluding on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. This measure standardizes the calendar, facilitating the organization of both events and associated broadcasting and logistical operations.

Rule Process: Greater Transparency and Clear Deadlines

For the 2026-27 academic year, an update to the regulatory process will formalize clear deadlines for the submission of recommendations and a notification calendar that will clarify the involvement of all stakeholders.

“This will be a great opportunity to strengthen the link between the NCAA and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), expanding flexibility in spring and summer, benefiting the development of student-athletes,” emphasized Clark Lea, head coach of Vanderbilt, a committee member and president of the AFCA board of trustees.

Athlete Perspective and Scope of the Reform

Sam Edwards, former student-athlete at Michigan State and committee member, underscored the importance of flexibility and the adaptation of customized calendars for each program: “The transition to greater flexibility and specific agendas for off-season activities, along with adjustments in in-season operations, will widely benefit both student-athletes and teams.”

Collaboration among the NCAA, the AFCA, athletic directors, coaches, students, and conference commissioners has been fundamental in reaching consensus on the plan. If approved by the Division I Cabinet, most changes would come into effect on January 1, or regarding the pre-season and regular season calendar, starting in the 2027 campaign.

Pending Changes in the Off-Campus Recruitment Model

A review of proposals to modify the off-campus recruitment model is still pending, which will be addressed by the Cabinet at the October meeting. Its eventual approval would mark its implementation starting January 1 of the corresponding year.

The comprehensive reform of the college football calendar seeks to modernize the competitive and operational structure of the sport, responding to changes in technical requirements, student-athlete well-being, and dynamics within the elite university environment.