College football captivates fans with its excitement and intensity, but some games have pushed the limits of endurance and patience, stretching into unprecedented lengths. Here’s a recap of the longest college football games since the NCAA introduced overtime rules in 1996.
On October 23, 2021, Illinois faced off against Penn State in a marathon battle that concluded after nine overtimes, with Illinois finally emerging victorious with a score of 20-18. The game started with a 10-10 tie at the end of regulation, leading to a historic moment as Fighting Illini quarterback Brandon Peters completed a successful two-point conversion to clinch the win.
Another memorable matchup occurred on November 29, 2024, when Georgia triumphed over Georgia Tech in an eight-overtime thriller, finishing with a score of 44-42. Georgia Tech initially led 17-0, but the Bulldogs rallied to equalize in the final moments of regulation and eventually sealed the match in the eighth overtime.
September 10, 2022, saw Eastern Kentucky face Bowling Green in a contest that extended into seven overtimes, with Eastern Kentucky securing a 59-57 upset victory. Tied at 38 after regulation, both teams demonstrated incredible resilience over multiple extra periods until Eastern Kentucky’s quarterback made the decisive two-point conversion.
In another high-stakes seven-overtime clash, Texas A&M edged out LSU, trading blows until the final moments in a match that ended with a record-breaking score of 74-72. This matchup not only resulted in a thrilling finish but also set a record as the highest-scoring game in FBS history.
The trend continued with Western Michigan defeating Buffalo 71-68 in seven overtimes on October 7, 2017. After a last-minute field goal tied the game at the end of regulation, both teams battled through multiple overtimes until a decisive touchdown clinched the event for the Broncos.
North Texas and FIU matched up in an unprecedented seven-overtime game on October 7, 2006, while Arkansas topped Kentucky 71-63 in another seven-overtime epic on November 1, 2003. A seven-overtime face-off against Ole Miss on November 3, 2001, added another notch to Arkansas’s history of extended games with a narrow 58-56 win.
These games not only demonstrate the thrilling nature of college football but also highlight the spirit and determination of the teams involved. They remind us of the unpredictable excitement that the sport can bring, transforming regular season games into unforgettable experiences for players and fans alike.
The future of college football promises more exhilarating moments as teams continue to push their limits, creating memories that will last a lifetime through the beauty of competition.