What Month Does Football Season Start? 2025-2026 Kickoff Dates

Are you eager for the return of roaring crowds and thrilling touchdowns? This article answers when the 2025-2026 football season starts, covering key dates for college games and playoff schedules. CAUHOI2025.UK.COM provides the latest updates, ensuring you never miss kickoff. Get ready for another exciting season! This guide includes football season dates, kickoff times, and college football schedules.

1. When Does College Football Season Officially Start In 2025?

The 2025 college football season officially kicks off with “Week Zero” on Saturday, August 23, 2025. This early start allows a few teams to get a head start before most Division I programs begin their seasons the following week.

1.1. Week Zero Highlights

Week Zero features several exciting matchups, including an international game:

Aer Lingus College Football Classic: Iowa State vs. Kansas State (Dublin, Ireland) – 12 p.m. ET
Tarleton State at Portland State – 3:30 p.m. or 4 p.m. ET
Fresno State at Kansas – 6:30 p.m. ET
Sam Houston at Western Kentucky – 7 p.m. ET
FCS Kickoff: UC Davis vs. Mercer (Montgomery, AL) – 7 p.m. ET
MEAC/SWAC Challenge: Southern vs. North Carolina Central (Atlanta, Georgia) – 7:30 p.m. ET
Stanford at Hawaii – 7:30 p.m. ET
UIW at Nicholls – Time TBA

1.2. Week 1 Kickoff Games

The following week, Week 1 of the 2025 college football season, starts with games on Thursday, August 28, and continues through Labor Day weekend. Key matchups include:

Thursday, August 28

Boise State at South Florida – 5:30 p.m. ET
Delaware State at Delaware – 7 p.m. ET
Nebraska vs. Cincinnati (Kansas City, Missouri) – 9 p.m. ET
Towson at Norfolk State – Time TBD

Friday, August 29

Duke’s Mayo Classic: Appalachian State vs. Charlotte (Charlotte, North Carolina) – 7 p.m. ET
Auburn at Baylor – 8 p.m. ET
Georgia Tech at Colorado – 8 p.m. ET

Saturday, August 30

Aflac Kickoff Game: Syracuse vs. Tennessee (Atlanta, GA) – 12 p.m. ET
Texas at Ohio State – 12 p.m. ET
Duquesne at Pitt – 12 p.m. ET
Alabama at Florida State – 3:30 p.m. ET
Montana State at Oregon – 4 p.m. ET
LSU at Clemson – 7:30 p.m. ET
North Carolina A&T at Tennessee State
Eastern Washington at UIW
Hampton at Jackson State

Sunday, August 31

Aflac Kickoff Game: South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech (Atlanta, GA) – 3 p.m. ET
Notre Dame at Miami (FL) – 7:30 p.m. ET

Monday, September 2

TCU at North Carolina – 8 p.m. ET

1.3. Early-Season Nonconference Games to Watch

Several other exciting nonconference games are scheduled in the early weeks of the season:

Week 2 (September 6):
- Iowa at Iowa State – 12 p.m. ET
- Oklahoma State at Oregon – 3:30 p.m. ET
- Michigan at Oklahoma – 7:30 p.m. ET
- Arizona State at Mississippi State – 7:30 p.m. ET
- South Dakota State at Montana State
Week 3 (September 13):
- Wisconsin at Alabama – 12 p.m. ET
- Pittsburgh at West Virginia – 3:30 p.m. ET
- Texas A&M at Notre Dame – 7:30 p.m. ET
- Minnesota at California – 10:30 p.m. ET
Week 4 (September 20):
- Florida at Miami (FL)

2. When Does the NFL Season Typically Start?

Generally, the NFL season kicks off in early September, shortly after college football’s Week 1. For the 2025 season, expect the NFL to start the weekend following Labor Day.

2.1. Key Dates for the 2025 NFL Season

While the exact dates are subject to change, here’s a general timeline:

Preseason: August
Regular Season Kickoff: Early September
Playoffs: January
Super Bowl: February

2.2. Factors Influencing the NFL Start Date

Several factors can influence the specific start date of the NFL season, including:

Labor agreements: Negotiations between the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
Television schedules: Aligning with major broadcasting networks.
Special events: Avoiding conflicts with other significant events.

3. College Football Playoff Schedule for the 2025-2026 Season

The 2025 season marks the 12th edition of the College Football Playoff (CFP) and the second with the expanded 12-team format.

3.1. Key Dates for the 2025-2026 CFP

First Round: Week of Saturday, December 20
- One game on Friday, December 19
- Three games on Saturday, December 20
- Hosted at the home field of the higher-seeded team or another designated site.
Quarterfinal Sites:
- Cotton Bowl: Wednesday, December 31 – 7:30 p.m. ET
- Orange Bowl: Thursday, January 1 – 12 p.m. ET
- Rose Bowl: Thursday, January 1 – 4 p.m. ET
- Sugar Bowl: Thursday, January 1 – 8 p.m. ET
Semifinal Sites:
- Fiesta Bowl: Thursday, January 8 – 7:30 p.m. ET
- Peach Bowl: Friday, January 9 – 7:30 p.m. ET
CFP National Championship Game: Monday, January 19, 2026 (Miami, Florida) – 7:30 p.m. ET

The championship game will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, marking the second time this location has hosted the CFP National Championship Game twice.

3.2. Recent CFP National Championship Winners

Year (Game Date)	Game	LOCATION
2015	No. 4 Ohio State 42, No. 2 Oregon 20	Arlington, Texas
2016	No. 2 Alabama 45, No. 1 Clemson 40	Glendale, Arizona
2017	No. 2 Clemson 35, No. 1 Alabama 31	Tampa, Florida
2018	No. 4 Alabama 26, No. 3 Georgia 23	Atlanta, Georgia
2019	No. 2 Clemson 44, No. 1 Alabama 16	Santa Clara, California
2020	No. 1 LSU 42, No. 3 Clemson 25	New Orleans, Louisiana
2021	No. 1 Alabama 52, No. 3 Ohio State 24	Miami Gardens, Florida
2022	No. 3 Georgia 33, No. 1 Alabama 18	Indianapolis, Indiana
2023	No. 1 Georgia 65, No. 3 TCU 7	Inglewood, California
2024	No. 1 Michigan 34, No. 2 Washington 13	Houston, Texas
2025	No. 8 Ohio State 34, No. 7 Notre Dame 23	Atlanta, Georgia

3.3. Future CFP National Championship Locations and Dates

2026-2027: Las Vegas (Allegiant Stadium) – January 25

4. How to Stay Updated on Football Season Schedules

Staying updated on the latest football schedules is essential for fans. Here are some reliable resources:

4.1. Official NCAA and NFL Websites

The official websites of the NCAA and NFL are primary sources for schedules, news, and updates:

NCAA: NCAA.com
NFL: NFL.com

4.2. Sports News Websites and Apps

Reputable sports news websites and apps provide real-time updates, scores, and schedule changes:

ESPN
CBS Sports
Bleacher Report

4.3. Social Media

Following official team accounts, sports journalists, and commentators on social media can provide timely updates:

Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

4.4. CAUHOI2025.UK.COM

For reliable and up-to-date information, CAUHOI2025.UK.COM offers comprehensive coverage of football schedules and related news.

5. Factors to Consider When Planning to Attend Games

Planning to attend football games requires consideration of several factors:

5.1. Ticket Availability and Pricing

Buy early: Purchase tickets as soon as they become available to secure the best seats and prices.
Official sources: Buy from official team websites or authorized ticket vendors to avoid scams.
Compare prices: Check multiple sources to find the best deals.

5.2. Travel and Accommodation

Book in advance: Reserve flights and hotels well in advance, especially for popular games.
Location: Choose accommodations near the stadium or with easy access to transportation.
Transportation: Plan your route to the stadium, considering traffic and parking options.

5.3. Weather Conditions

Check the forecast: Monitor the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Hydration: Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather games.
Protection: Use sunscreen and wear hats to protect against the sun.

5.4. Stadium Policies

Bag policy: Be aware of the stadium’s bag policy to avoid delays at security.
Prohibited items: Know what items are prohibited to ensure a smooth entry.
Code of conduct: Follow the stadium’s code of conduct to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all fans.

6. How the Expanded College Football Playoff Format Affects the Season

The expansion of the College Football Playoff to a 12-team format has several significant impacts on the college football season.

6.1. Increased Opportunities for Teams

More participants: The expanded format allows more teams to compete for the national championship.
Conference champions: Guarantees access for the highest-ranked conference champions.
At-large bids: Provides opportunities for highly-ranked teams that may not have won their conference.

6.2. Changes in Seeding and Selection

Committee rankings: Seeding is now aligned with the final selection committee rankings.
Home-field advantage: Higher-seeded teams host first-round games.

6.3. Impact on Regular Season Games

Increased importance: Every game becomes more critical as teams vie for playoff contention.
Conference championships: Conference championship games gain added significance.
Strength of schedule: Teams must maintain a competitive schedule to impress the selection committee.

6.4. Fan Engagement

More excitement: The expanded format creates more excitement and interest among fans.
Increased viewership: Playoff games are expected to draw higher television ratings.
Economic impact: Host cities benefit from increased tourism and spending.

7. Key Rule Changes and Updates for the 2025 Season

Staying informed about rule changes and updates is essential for fans.

7.1. NCAA Rule Changes

Player safety: Adjustments to rules aimed at enhancing player safety.
Game conduct: Modifications to rules governing on-field conduct and penalties.
Instant replay: Changes to the instant replay review process.

7.2. NFL Rule Changes

Pass interference: Updates to rules regarding pass interference.
Roughing the passer: Modifications to rules protecting quarterbacks.
Kickoff rules: Changes to kickoff rules aimed at reducing injuries.

7.3. Sources for Rule Updates

Official websites: NCAA.org and NFL.com provide official rulebooks and updates.
Sports news outlets: ESPN, CBS Sports, and other sports news outlets offer analysis of rule changes.

8. Tailgating Tips and Best Practices

Tailgating is a beloved tradition for football fans. Here are some tips and best practices for a successful tailgating experience:

8.1. Planning and Preparation

Arrive early: Arrive early to secure a good spot and set up your tailgate.
Check regulations: Be aware of stadium tailgating regulations, including alcohol policies and noise restrictions.
Bring essentials: Bring essentials such as food, drinks, chairs, tables, and a portable grill.

8.2. Food and Drinks

Plan your menu: Plan your menu in advance and prepare as much as possible at home.
Grilling: Bring a portable grill and grilling tools for cooking burgers, hot dogs, and other tailgate favorites.
Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.

8.3. Safety

Grill safety: Keep grills away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
Food safety: Follow food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Designated driver: Ensure there is a designated driver to transport everyone safely.

8.4. Entertainment

Music: Bring a portable speaker and create a playlist of your favorite game-day tunes.
Games: Bring games such as cornhole, ladder toss, or football to keep everyone entertained.
Team spirit: Decorate your tailgate with team colors, flags, and banners to show your team spirit.

9. How to Follow Your Favorite Teams

Staying connected with your favorite teams has never been easier. Here’s how:

9.1. Social Media

Official team accounts: Follow official team accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for real-time updates.
Player accounts: Follow your favorite players for behind-the-scenes insights.
Hashtags: Use team hashtags to join conversations and share your team spirit.

9.2. Team Websites and Apps

Official websites: Visit official team websites for news, scores, schedules, and ticket information.
Team apps: Download team apps for mobile access to team content.

9.3. Email Newsletters

Sign up: Sign up for team email newsletters to receive updates directly in your inbox.
Customization: Customize your newsletter preferences to receive the information that matters most to you.

9.4. Local Media

Newspapers: Read local newspapers for in-depth coverage of your favorite teams.
Television and radio: Watch local television and listen to local radio for game broadcasts and analysis.

10. FAQ About the Football Season Start

Here are some frequently asked questions about when the football season starts:

10.1. When does college football preseason start?

College football preseason typically starts in early August, with teams holding training camps to prepare for the season.

10.2. When does the NFL preseason start?

The NFL preseason also starts in August, usually a week or two before the regular season.

10.3. What is Week Zero in college football?

Week Zero is the opening weekend of the college football season, typically held in late August, featuring a limited number of games.

10.4. When do college football conference schedules get released?

College football conference schedules are usually released in the months leading up to the season, often in the winter or spring.

10.5. How can I find the most accurate football schedules?

The most accurate football schedules can be found on the official NCAA and NFL websites, as well as reputable sports news outlets.

10.6. Are there any international college football games in 2025?

Yes, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Iowa State and Kansas State will be played in Dublin, Ireland, on August 23, 2025.

10.7. What are the key bowl game dates for the 2025-2026 season?

Key bowl game dates include the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals on December 31 and January 1, the Semifinals on January 8 and 9, and the National Championship Game on January 19, 2026.

10.8. How does the 12-team playoff format affect bowl game selections?

The 12-team playoff format increases the number of teams competing for the national championship, impacting the selection process for other bowl games and creating more opportunities for teams to participate in postseason play.

10.9. Where can I buy tickets for college football games?

Tickets for college football games can be purchased on official team websites, authorized ticket vendors, and ticket resale marketplaces.

10.10. What should I bring to a college football game?

Essentials to bring to a college football game include tickets, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, and team spirit.

Conclusion

The 2025 football season promises to be filled with excitement, from the Week Zero kickoff to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Staying informed about key dates, rule changes, and ways to follow your favorite teams will enhance your experience. For more detailed information, schedules, and updates, be sure to visit CAUHOI2025.UK.COM. Get ready for another thrilling season of football!

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