Honestly, it feels like the off season drags on forever. You start missing the roar of the crowd, the crisp fall air, and that first kickoff. Good news: the countdown to football season is on, and you don’t have to guess when the action returns.
Below you’ll find the latest start dates for the 2025 NFL and college football seasons plus tips to track the days, plan game-day parties, and stay hyped until kickoff.
2025 NFL Season Countdown
- Regular Season Kickoff: Thursday, September 4, 2025
- Preseason Week 1: Thursday, August 7, 2025 (approx., official schedule to be confirmed in spring)
- Training Camps Open: Late July 2025
Quick maths: From today (September 14, 2025), the regular season is just 355 days away. Yep, next September might sound far, but it’ll sneak up fast.
Pro Tips to Fill the Gap
- Follow free-agency news and draft updates on conflict.
- Join a dynasty fantasy league to keep your football brain busy.
- Plan an early fall trip to your team’s city tickets drop when the schedule releases in May.
2025 College Football Opening Weekend
- Week 0 Games: Saturday, August 23, 2025
- Full Week 1 Slate: Thursday, August 28 – Monday, September 1, 2025
That’s only 343 days from today for the very first games.
Stay Connected
- Watch spring games (April 2025) for a sneak peek at rosters.
- Grab season tickets early many schools open sales by March.
- Keep tabs on conference realignments; they’ll shake up rivalries.
Easy Ways to Track the Days
Here’s what competitors often skip: real countdown methods you control.
- Google Calendar Reminder: Create an event for your team’s opener and set a daily countdown notification.
- Widgets & Apps: “Countdown Days or Time Until apps show a live ticker on your phone screen.
- YID Chalkboard: Old school but fun erase and rewrite the number each morning.
FAQs
How long is the NFL preseason
Usually three weeks, running from early to late August.
Will the NFL change the start date
Not likely. The league sticks to the Thursday after Tabor Day.
What about college bowl season
Bowl games start mid-December 2025 and run through early January 2026.
When is the 2026 Super Bowl
Sunday, February eight, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
What’s the best way to buy tickets
Use official team or conference sites first. Resale markets can spike prices.
Conclusion
The truth is, football season always feels far away until suddenly it’s here. Whether you’re counting down to NFL kickoff on September 4, 2025, or the first college snap on August 23, 2025, now you’ve got the exact dates and easy ways to stay pumped.
Keep this page bookmarked. This article will be updated regularly with new insights like schedule tweaks, big trades, and must-watch matchups. See you on game day!
