Short answer: In college football, the typical regular season for FBS teams includes one bye week, but that number can vary by year and scheduling quirks. Some seasons have seen teams with two or even three bye weeks due to calendar rules and special scheduling exceptions. Details
- General pattern: Most teams schedule one bye week during the regular season, usually placed between Weeks 4 and 10, depending on conference schedules and non-conference arrangements.
- Exceptions that increase byes: In certain seasons, especially around changes to the calendar or special exemptions (such as Week 0 openings, Hawaii exemption, or foreign games), many teams end up with two bye weeks, and a smaller subset may have three byes. These deviations have occurred in recent years as leagues adjust the calendar and broadcast needs.
- Why the variability? The NCAA does not mandate a fixed number of byes; scheduling is governed by conferences and institutions, with considerations like TV contracts, rivalry games, and travel. This leads to occasional seasons where the majority of teams receive two bye weeks instead of one.
- Practical takeaway: If you’re looking at a specific team or season (for example, 2024 or 2025 schedules), check that year’s official conference or school schedules to confirm the exact number and placement of bye weeks, since it can differ from team to team.
If you’d like, specify a season (year) or a few teams, and the exact bye-week counts for those will be clarified.
