Imagine this: It’s the fourth quarter. The score is tied, the crowd is on the edge of their seat, and the clock runs out. Both teams are still locked in battle. What happens next? It’s time for overtime! But hold on—are we watching an NFL game or a college one? That makes a big difference.
Overtime rules in football aren’t one-size-fits-all. The NFL and college football go about it in different ways. Let’s break it down, nice and simple.
Why Do We Need Overtime?
Overtime is like bonus football. It happens when teams finish the fourth quarter with the same score. Since draws are boring, we get extra time to settle the score. But how that time is used depends on the league.
NFL Overtime Rules
The NFL has changed its rules over the years. Fans and players wanted things to be more fair. Here’s how it works as of now for regular season games:
- Each team gets a shot—but only if the first team doesn’t score a touchdown.
- If the first team does score a touchdown on their opening drive, the game is over right away.
- If they score only a field goal, the second team gets a chance to win or tie.
- If the game is still tied after both teams had the ball, it becomes sudden death.
- They play one 10-minute period in the regular season. If no one wins? The game is a tie.
In the playoffs, it’s different. Ties aren’t allowed, so they play as many 15-minute periods as needed until someone wins.
Quick Summary: NFL Overtime
- 10-minute period (regular season)
- First score can win—if it’s a touch down
- Field goals give both teams a chance
- Sudden death kicks in after both teams get the ball
- Games can end in ties (only in regular season)
College Football Overtime Rules
College football overtime is totally different—and kinda wild. It feels more like a shootout in soccer or hockey. Here’s what makes it unique:
- Each team gets the ball on the opponent’s 25-yard line.
- No game clock—just a play clock. So there’s no “running out the clock.”
- Both teams get equal chances to score in each overtime round.
- If still tied after two overtimes, teams must go for two-point conversions after touchdowns.
- If the game reaches the third overtime, it turns into 2-point conversion shootouts only.
Yep, starting in the third overtime, no more full drives. Just one play from the 3-yard line, back and forth. This goes on until one team scores and the other doesn’t. Intense!
Quick Summary: College Overtime
- Start at the 25-yard line
- Every team gets a shot—no sudden death
- After 2nd overtime, teams must go for two
- After 3rd, only 2-point conversion attempts
- No game clock—just the play clock
Key Differences: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | NFL | College Football |
|---|---|---|
| Overtime Duration | 10 mins (regular season) or 15 (playoffs) | No game clock; based on possessions |
| Starting Point | Kickoff at normal spot | Opponent’s 25-yard line |
| Sudden Death? | Yes, eventually | No |
| Possession Rules | Only guaranteed if first team doesn’t score TD | Each team gets possession every round |
| Ties Allowed? | Yes (regular season only) | No |
Which Overtime is More Exciting?
That depends on who you ask. Some fans love the clean, back-and-forth action in college overtime. It’s like a thrill ride with every possession. Others prefer the intense pressure of NFL sudden death, where every yard can be the difference between victory and heartbreak.
College rules offer more strategy when it comes to two-point conversions. Coaches prepare special plays just for those wild extra periods. And once the shootout starts? It’s madness in the best way.
In the NFL, overtime often feels more like regular football—until the clock starts ticking down. And in playoff games, where ties aren’t allowed, the tension keeps rising with every extra snap.
Famous Overtime Moments
Let’s not forget the epic games that have come down to overtime. Remember the Super Bowl LI? The Patriots came back from a 28-3 deficit to win in overtime. That was the first Super Bowl to ever go beyond regulation!
In college, the 2007 game between Kansas and Missouri saw multiple overtime periods and is still talked about today for its level of drama.
And then there are games that never seem to end, like the 2021 showdown between Illinois and Penn State that went to NINE overtimes—a college football record!
So… Who Wins the Overtime Battle?
That’s up to you! Each system has its fans and critics. The NFL brings in the style we’re used to. College football adds a twist and ramps up the pressure in totally different ways.
Want fast-paced action with wild finishes? College might be your jam.
Prefer balanced, traditional gameplay with a dramatic edge? NFL is your go-to.
Either way, one thing’s for sure: Overtime football is edge-of-your-seat entertainment!
Final Whistle
Whether it’s a college shootout or an NFL sudden-death sprint, overtime gives us the kind of drama only football can deliver. Knowing the rules helps you enjoy the game even more—and maybe even predict the next jaw-dropping play.
So next time the game’s tied at the end, don’t groan—get excited! The best action might be just about to begin.