The NCAA has approved significant changes to the Football Bowl Subdivision calendar, including an earlier start to the season, a restructured offseason practice model resembling NFL organized team activities, and a shortened transfer portal window. The changes take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, pending final approval by the Division I Cabinet on Oct. 6-7.
Season Structure
Under the new calendar, the FBS season will begin one week earlier, moving Week 1 to what is currently designated as Week 0. Each team will receive a second bye week during the season. The preseason will consist of 21 practices over 27 calendar days, reduced from the current 25 practices over 31 days.
Offseason Practice Model
Teams will be permitted to conduct 21 on-field practices across two sessions in the offseason. The two sessions combined cannot exceed seven weeks, with no single session lasting more than five weeks. Schools must also designate a minimum of nine discretionary or voluntary weeks when athletic activities are not permitted.
Transfer Portal Window
The January transfer portal window will be shortened from 15 days to 10 days, opening on the first business day after Jan. 1. Based on the current calendar, the window would open on Monday, Jan. 4, three weeks before the national championship game on Jan. 25.
Committee Perspective
Josh Brooks, vice chair of the oversight committee and athletic director at Georgia, said the committee worked closely with the American Football Coaches Association. Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea, a committee member and AFCA president, called the new schedule a "great step forward for our game" that allows more flexibility for team building in the spring and summer.
