MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The landscape of college football is transforming. In an unprecedented turn of events, teams at the FBS level have the opportunity to face a grueling 16-game season, a feat not accomplished since Yale set a grueling schedule in 1894. This historic milestone illustrates the evolving nature of college athletics as teams work through longer seasons filled with more competition.
Recently, Texas and Penn State completed their 16th games in the 2024 season. Upcoming on January 20, the College Football Playoff championship will feature Notre Dame and Ohio State, who will also play their 16th game in a clash for the national title. This expansion in gameplay is a significant departure from previous formats, illustrating the changing dynamics of college football.
“The preparation and adaptability for this expanded season require careful planning and cooperation with our sports performance team,” noted Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman. “It’s essential to remain flexible given the unpredictable nature of the season, but I’m confident that our players are in prime physical condition.”
The shift to a 16-game season didn’t come without forethought. The recent expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams meant that teams reaching the national championship game must now engage in either three or four additional matchups. With a standard 12-game regular schedule and potential conference championships, it has become apparent that national contenders will likely end up with a minimum of 16 games.
Last year, Notre Dame and Ohio State each completed their seasons with 13 games. While extending to 16 games may raise concerns regarding player health and endurance, it simultaneously presents an enviable chance to secure a championship title. “We’ve explored various factors related to competing in a 16-game season,” stated Ohio State coach Ryan Day. “It’s vital not only to manage our roster wisely but also to approach practice and play strategically to maintain player freshness as we reach the season’s conclusion.”
Historically, only a handful of teams, including Yale and Penn, have participated in a 16-game college season prior to this year. The scenario has notably occurred in lower divisions, but at the FBS level, it has not been seen in over a century.
This change brings not only fresh challenges for teams but also for their fans, who may feel the pinch from additional home games and bowl tickets that are often high in price. Increased game schedules can also pose academic challenges, with the spring semester starting shortly after the intense football season draws to a close. Additionally, players have logged unprecedented playtime, tackles, and travel distances this year.
Amidst the changing dynamics, the college football world is already gearing up for the next season, with players transferring, new recruits signing, and coaching changes occurring across various universities. As teams focus on planning their spring practice schedules, the decisions made now will impact next season’s outlook.
Duke coach Manny Diaz advocates for reforming the college football calendar to mirror the NFL’s structure, suggesting a shift away from traditional spring practices toward summer-oriented training camps. “We need to adapt and embrace the reality of our current status as a spring sport,” he argues.
In reflection, Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator Al Golden views this lengthy season as both a challenge and an opportunity. Despite the demanding schedule, the focus on achieving a championship brings immense motivation. “It’s a unique experience for our players, one that hasn’t been encountered in college football before,” Golden commented. “Analyzing the data and adapting is key to making the most of this season.”
