The NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee has unveiled a sweeping set of proposals that could rewrite the rhythm of college football starting in the 2027 season. By tightening the timing of key activities, the plan aims to create a more predictable and competitive environment for student‑athletes and programs alike.
Transfer portal reforms
Under the plan, the transfer portal would be open for only ten days, beginning on the first business day after January 1, the Monday that follows the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. That would replace the current 15‑day window that runs from January 2 through January 16, compressing the period in which athletes may explore new programs.
The change would make the portal window open the Monday after the CFP quarterfinals, giving coaches and players a clearer deadline for making roster moves. Exceptions would still be allowed if a coaching change occurs outside the window, but the overall timeframe would be markedly shorter than the existing schedule.
Offseason practice overhaul
The committee also wants to reshape the offseason workout structure, allowing schools to conduct two distinct practice periods that together total no more than 21 on‑field sessions. Each of those periods could span no longer than seven weeks, with neither period exceeding five weeks of activity, and schools would be required to designate at least nine voluntary weeks during which no mandatory activities are permitted.
This approach would bring a limited, OTA‑style work model to college football, giving teams a structured yet flexible way to develop players while preserving the traditional emphasis on academic commitments.
Preseason practice window
A separate preseason window would permit 21 practices to be spread across a 27‑calendar‑day stretch, giving teams a defined block to prepare for the upcoming campaign. The duration and intensity of this window would be carefully monitored to balance readiness with player welfare.
The proposal also envisions a 14‑week regular season that includes twelve games and two bye weeks, while preserving traditional standalone weekends for conference championships and the Army‑Navy rivalry. Such a schedule would provide more consistency for fans, broadcasters and institutions.
If the Division I Cabinet signs off, the new framework would become effective for the 2027 season, marking the first time such coordinated calendar changes would be implemented across the Football Bowl Subdivision. The next step is a formal review and approval by the cabinet, after which the proposals would move toward adoption.