Ask any fan who’s sat through a Saturday doubleheader: college football games are long. But exactly how long? While the game clock itself mirrors that of the NFL, several built-in rule differences—and the general rhythm of the college game—stretch the total time well beyond the raw 60 minutes of play.
Understanding the actual length of a college football game means looking at more than just the ticking clock. From commercial breaks to review delays and first down rules, there’s a mix of structure and circumstance that makes college football a time commitment.
At its core, a college football game is made up of four 15-minute quarters, just like in the NFL. Halftime usually lasts 20 minutes. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods are played until a winner is determined. So, in theory, a regulation game should take just over an hour and a half to complete.
But that’s only part of the story.
In practice, most college football games last around 3 hours and 20 minutes. High-profile matchups, games with heavy scoring, or those involving lots of penalties and reviews can creep past the four-hour mark.
Television broadcasts contribute heavily to this extended length. Games on major networks come with long commercial breaks, particularly during stoppages like timeouts, injuries, and change of possession. These aren’t random—they’re scheduled into the flow of the game, and they add up quickly.
One of the most notable differences from the NFL is how the clock is handled after a first down. In college football, the clock stops temporarily when the offense moves the chains. While it resumes once the ball is set, that pause—repeated multiple times per drive—can significantly affect how long the game takes.
This rule was adjusted for the 2023 season, where the clock now continues to run on first downs outside of the final two minutes of each half, except in Division III. But the longstanding habit of clock stoppages for first downs still has an influence on the pace of play.
Unlike the NFL, where coaches initiate most challenges, college football uses a booth review system. Officials in the press box can initiate reviews at any time, often stopping play multiple times per game.
Penalties, too, tend to be more frequent in college matchups, particularly in games with undisciplined or inexperienced teams. Each flag stops the clock, requires official discussion, and often adds a layer of delay as referees reset the ball and communicate with both sidelines.
NFL halftime lasts about 12 minutes. In college football, it’s 20 minutes. That difference alone adds more broadcast content and extends the overall experience. While it gives bands time for performances and teams more time to regroup, it’s yet another reason why games run longer than many anticipate.
Unlike the NFL, where ties are possible in the regular season, college football games must produce a winner. Overtime rules are structured with alternating possessions from the opponent’s 25-yard line, which can escalate into extended sequences—especially in games where both teams continue trading scores.
While recent tweaks like mandatory two-point attempts starting in the second overtime are designed to speed things up, dramatic finishes still stretch the clock.
If you’re heading to a college football game—or just planning to watch from home—expect at least a three-hour window. For ranked matchups or rivalry games with lots of media attention, be prepared to go closer to three and a half to four hours.
That’s the tradeoff with college football: it’s a deeper experience. The length isn’t always about delays or inefficiency—it's often about the pageantry, review scrutiny, and high-octane offenses that define the sport.
