NCAA approves calendar changes including offseason practice rules for 2027

The NCAA formally approved major updates to the Football Bowl Subdivision calendar on November 5, 2026. Sports Illustrated, CBS College Football, and CBS Sports all reported that the changes will reform offseason practice rules, adjust transfer portal schedules, and shift regular season dates. According to CBS College Football, the newly adopted rules take effect on January 1. [1][3][4]

Under the new schedule structure, the regular season will start one week earlier, during what is designated as Week 0, CBS College Football reported. This shift adds a week to the overall schedule, which allows each team to receive a second bye week during the regular season. CBS College Football also reported that the decision shortens the transfer portal window in January. [3]

The approved rules split team activities into offseason and preseason phases, according to Sports Illustrated. In the offseason period between January 1 and the start of preseason, programs will have the option to hold two out-of-season practice periods. Sports Illustrated reported these periods can include up to 21 total on-field practices. CBS College Football noted that the altered calendar allows for NFL-style voluntary workouts over the summer. [1][3]