Possible Earlier College Football Season Could Change Saturdays in Alabama Starting 2027

**Why it matters locally:** The NCAA's proposal to start the college football season earlier, potentially in Week 0 starting in 2027, would directly impact Alabama residents due to the state's intense passion for college football. An earlier start means more football Saturdays, potentially boosting revenue for local businesses around the Auburn and Tuscaloosa areas that rely heavily on game-day traffic. Hotels, restaurants, and other service industries could see an increase in business, and the state itself would benefit from increased tax revenue associated with those sales. --- 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.