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Last update: December 30, 2024
5 minutes read
When Does College Football Start?
Curious about when college football kicks off in 2024? Dive into all the key dates, matchups, and the new 12-team College Football Playoff format that make this season one to watch.
By Brian Flaherty, B.A. Economics
Edited by Rachel Lauren, B.A. in Business and Political Economy
Learn more about our editorial standards
By Brian Flaherty, B.A. Economics
Edited by Rachel Lauren, B.A. in Business and Political Economy
Learn more about our editorial standards
Are you counting down the days until college football returns? You're not alone! The 2024 NCAA Division I FBS football season is gearing up to be one of the most exciting yet, with new teams, thrilling matchups, and a revamped playoff system.
Key takeaways
- The 2024 college football season kicked off on August 24, 2024, known as Week 0
- This season marks the debut of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format
- 134 teams will compete in the FBS division, with Georgia entering as the preseason AP No. 1
Start of the Regular Season
The anticipation ends on Saturday, August 24, 2024, when the college football season officially begins with Week 0. This early start features a selection of games that set the tone for the rest of the season.
One of the standout events is the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, held at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. It's not every day you get to see college football played across the pond, and it's a unique experience for both players and fans alike.
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Fun Fact: The Aer Lingus College Football Classic not only brings American football to an international audience but also strengthens cultural ties between the United States and Ireland.
Week 1 and beyond
Following the excitement of Week 0, Week 1 brings a full slate of games from August 29 to September 3, 2024. This week traditionally features marquee matchups that can have early implications for conference standings and playoff positioning.
Keep an eye out for games like the Aflac Kickoff Game and the Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. These early contests are must-watch events for any college football enthusiast.
Impact of the Expanded Playoff format
One of the most significant changes this season is the introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff. This expansion from the previous four-team system means more opportunities for programs to compete for the national title. Teams that might have been on the bubble in previous years now have a chance to make a deep postseason run.
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How does the new playoff work?
- First round (December 20-21, 2024): Teams ranked 5 through 12 will face off in on-campus games.
- Quarterfinals (December 31, 2024 - January 1, 2025): The top four seeds receive a bye in the first round and will play the winners from the first round in major bowl games.
- Semifinals (January 9-10, 2025): The winners of the quarterfinals advance to the semifinals.
- National championship (January 20, 2025): The two semifinal winners will compete for the title at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
This new format aims to bring more excitement and inclusivity to postseason play, ensuring that every game counts throughout the season.
Teams to watch
With 134 teams competing in the FBS division, the competition is fiercer than ever. The Georgia Bulldogs are entering the season as the preseason AP No. 1, but they'll face stiff competition from perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State, and Clemson. Additionally, underdog teams have more incentive to push for a playoff spot with the expanded format.
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Keep an eye on up-and-coming programs that could shake up the rankings and make surprising runs in the new playoff system.
The end of the regular season
Mark your calendars for December 14, 2024, as that's when the regular season comes to a close. By this point, teams will have battled through tough schedules, rivalry games, and conference clashes. It's the final chance for teams to make their case for postseason play, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
The postseason extravaganza
The postseason kicks off on December 14, 2024, ushering in 43 bowl games that culminate in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Key postseason dates
- First Round: December 20-21, 2024
- Quarterfinals: December 31, 2024 - January 1, 2025
- Semifinals: January 9-10, 2025
- National Championship: January 20, 2025
The expanded playoff ensures that the postseason is more thrilling than ever, with new storylines and potential Cinderella runs.
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This College Football Playoff expansion is the first major change to the playoff system since its inception in 2014.
Preparing for game day
Whether you're attending games in person or hosting watch parties at home, preparing for game day is half the fun. Stock up on your team's gear, plan your tailgates, and make sure you have your viewing schedule set. With so many exciting matchups every week, you won't want to miss a moment.
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Download your favorite sports app to keep track of live scores, news, and updates throughout the season.
Beyond the field: College life and finances
As you follow your favorite teams and players, it's essential to remember the broader context of college life. For many students, balancing academics, athletics, and finances is a significant challenge.
If you're a student or a parent navigating college expenses, understanding options like federal student loans and scholarships can be crucial. There are resources available to help make college more affordable.
Did You Know? Many student-athletes receive scholarships that cover tuition and other expenses, but they also juggle rigorous academic and athletic commitments.
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Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all way to save for college, and what works for one family might be different for another. Visit TuitionHero.org for personalized advice and tools that suit your unique financial situation.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is scheduled for August 24, 2024, as part of Week 0 of the NCAA football season. It's a unique event held in Dublin, Ireland, offering teams and fans an international football experience.
There are 134 teams competing in the FBS division during the 2024 season, each vying for a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff.
The 2024 season marks the debut of the 12-team College Football Playoff format, expanding from the previous four-team system. This allows more teams the chance to compete for the national championship.
The National Championship game will be held on January 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
The regular season concludes on December 14, 2024, after which the postseason bowl games and playoffs begin.
Final thoughts
The 2024 college football season is shaping up to be a landmark year with the introduction of an expanded playoff system and a full roster of exciting games from start to finish. Whether you're a die-hard fan, or new to the sport, there's never been a better time to get into college football. So get ready for a season filled with unforgettable moments!
Ready for kickoff? Make sure you're up to speed on all the latest news and schedules, and don't forget to support your favorite teams as they make their bid for glory in this historic season.
Source
Author
Brian Flaherty
Brian is a graduate of the University of Virginia where he earned a B.A. in Economics. After graduation, Brian spent four years working at a wealth management firm advising high-net-worth investors and institutions. During his time there, he passed the rigorous Series 65 exam and rose to a high-level strategy position.
Editor
Rachel Lauren
Rachel Lauren is the co-founder and COO of Debbie, a tech startup that offers an app to help people pay off their credit card debt for good through rewards and behavioral psychology. She was previously a venture capital investor at BDMI, as well as an equity research analyst at Credit Suisse.
At TuitionHero, we're not just passionate about our work - we take immense pride in it. Our dedicated team of writers diligently follows strict editorial standards, ensuring that every piece of content we publish is accurate, current, and highly valuable. We don't just strive for quality; we aim for excellence.
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