How long is college football halftime? Deep dive into NCAA’s rulebook

College football is back and has people asking questions about the game's intricacies. One of the larger questions people have is how long is a college football halftime and if it is the same as the National Football League. We will answer that very question and discuss why it is the amount of time between the first and second half of the game.

How long is college football halftime?

While there is a rule in the rulebook about how long a college football halftime is, there can be exceptions. The rulebook states that the halftime should be 20 minutes long, eight minutes longer than the NFL. However, if the two teams agree before the game, it could be shortened by whatever time.

This is important as it lets you know how long it will be until the second half of the game begins. It also helps if you are flipping through the channels and want to ensure you are back for the start of the third quarter.

The break also gives you an idea of how long you need to get concessions and go to the bathroom. It is not too long of a break where momentum can be killed for the teams on the field. But it is a chance for a general reset and to reflect on the first half.

Why is college football halftime longer than the NFL?

One of the reasons that the college football halftime is longer than the one in the National Football League is not because of any of the things on the field. One of the major points is that both the road and the home team bands are allowed to perform on the field. So both need time to perform and get the players warmed up for the start of the second half.