FBS committee proposal: Move up start of season, lose ‘Week 0’

Field Level Media|published: Thu 16th April, 22:07 2026

University logos cover a wall in the lobby of NCAA headquarters Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Indianapolis. Ncaa National Collegiate Athletics Association Office Headquarters In Indianapolis Feb 25 2021

The NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee has recommended a standardized start to the college football season one week earlier than it currently does.

Instead of most teams opening their seasons in Week 1 and a handful receiving exceptions to play a week earlier, known as "Week 0," the proposal would move the start for all teams to late August -- the weekend before Labor Day weekend -- while eliminating all waivers to begin earlier.

Teams would still play a 12-game regular season, but they'd have 14 weeks to schedule them.

"In addition to eliminating exceptions for teams to play before the first contest date, a 14-week regular season annually provides two open dates, flexibility for potential changes to the postseason and preserves standalone weekends for conference championships and the Army-Navy game," the NCAA said in a release Thursday.

Teams have often been granted the flexibility to play in Week 0 when there is extra travel involved. There are eight games scheduled for Week 0 in 2026, including North Carolina vs. TCU in Dublin, and North Carolina State vs. Virginia in Rio de Janeiro. Hawaii often hosts nonconference opponents in Week 0.

The recommendation goes to the Division I Cabinet, which must vote to adopt the legislation when it meets in June. If it passes, the change would go into effect for the 2027 season.

--Field Level Media