NCAA May Kick Off College Football Season Earlier in 2027: How Would This Affect Utah?

**Why it matters locally:** The NCAA's proposal to start the college football season earlier in 2027 will directly impact Utah residents, particularly those who follow the University of Utah Utes and Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars, two major sports programs in the state. Moving the season start date forward introduces potential shifts in game schedules, impacting local viewership habits, broadcasting schedules, and potentially affecting attendance numbers as fans may need to adjust their routines to accommodate earlier games. For businesses near these universities, an earlier start could mean an adjustment to their own opening dates or the timing for staffing considerations. --- Indianapolis, IN – The NCAA is considering a proposal to shift the beginning of the college football season. A Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) committee recommended Thursday that the season commence earlier, beginning with the 2027 season. The proposal suggests that FBS teams play their scheduled 12 games over a 14-week period. Under the recommendation, games would begin on the Thursday of what is currently designated as Week 0. The objective of this change is to provide greater flexibility within the football schedule. The NCAA will further evaluate the recommendation before any formal adoption.