Courtesy of Dylan Buell/Getty Images
It’s over. The season that gave us thrilling upsets, Heisman moments, and one too many arguments about playoff rankings has officially ended. The confetti has been swept up following Ohio State’s victory over Notre Dame, and Saturdays suddenly feel empty. But fear not, fellow fans - college football doesn’t really take a break.
The offseason is where teams lay the groundwork for next season’s success. Whether it’s the NFL draft drama, transfer portal chaos, or spring practices, there’s no shortage of action to keep your football cravings satisfied. This is the perfect time to swap your jerseys for your General Manager hat.
Wipe those postseason tears away and grab a notebook (or the Notes app), and let’s map out the calendar of can’t-miss moments that carry you through these football-less months.
Courtesy of AP Photo/Butch Dill
Declaring for the Draft
Every year around mid-January, college players entering the NFL must officially declare their intent by a set date - this year, it was January 15. As players make the big leap, the draft drama begins. Players like Travis Hunter, Cam Ward, Jalen Milroe, and many more have already sparked rumors about where they will go in the draft. On April 24, we can finally put an end to the endless amounts of mock drafts as Roger Goodell says his famous words - “With the first pick in the 2025 NFL draft the Titans select.” (sorry Titans fans, another rough year, but at least you will get first pick). Until then, we can only speculate and read hundreds of sports analysts’ mock drafts.
The NFL Scouting Combine VS. Pro Days
Next stop: Indianapolis. The NFL Combine is where dreams are made or crushed or turned into a meme, like Chris Jones’s famous (for all the wrong reasons) 40-yard dash… It’s a high-stakes proving ground where every second, inch, and interview response can make or break a player’s draft potential. This four-day extravaganza tests athletes physically and mentally - it’s like the Olympics of football but with more 40-yard dashes and bench presses.
Each year, about 335 players are invited to the Combine exclusive club of elite athletes. From the iconic 40-yard dash to position-specific drills, players showcase their skills under the watchful eyes of NFL scouts. Oh and don’t forget about the interviews and countless meetings players have every day - the combine requires some serious media training and mental toughness!
If your school has enough talented players and buzz, it can host its own combine called Pro Days. Pro Days are another chance for players to impress NFL teams without the intensity of the Combine. Pro Days take place at the athlete’s college, often with familiar coaches and smaller groups. A more personalized environment for players to showcase their skills, and allowing them to work with familiar coaches on their home field gives them a true advantage against others. With these smaller groups, players are able to get more focused attention and the opportunity to tailor their performance to specific areas of improvement.
Courtesy of Notre Dame Insider
NFL Draft: The Big Day
“With the first pick in the 2025 NFL draft…” as the words echo through Green Bay on April 24, fans and players wait in anticipation as the draft is the culmination of months (or years) of hard work. Over three days and seven rounds, 224 players will hear their names called. For these athletes, the draft isn’t just about joining a team—it’s about achieving a lifelong dream.
From flashy suits to emotional family moments, the draft is equal parts red carpet event and career-defining milestone. And for us fans? It’s our chance to speculate wildly about how these players will transform our favorite teams.
Courtesy of Jeff Roberson/AP | Who will this year’s Caleb Williams be?
Help, I’m Stuck in the Portal…The Transfer Portal
For players not heading to the NFL, the transfer portal offers a new kind of opportunity. It reopens from April 16–30 and for the 30 days following a coaching change. This is where the drama unfolds as players jump ship to chase starting roles, reunite with former coaches, or simply find a better fit.
Spring Practice: Back to Basics
Around mid-February, spring practices begin. For players, this is a time to refine skills, earn starting spots, and get a sneak peek at next season’s playbook. Spring practices often conclude with a spring game—a glorified scrimmage designed to excite fans and give coaches a chance to evaluate talent.
Don’t forget the May 1 deadline for graduate transfers—this marks the end of major player movement before summer.
Courtesy of Longhorns Wire
Fall Camp: The Countdown Begins
When August rolls around, college football takes center stage again. Fall camp is where position battles heat up, depth charts are finalized, and fans start counting down to Week 1. Quarterback controversies? Check. Overhyped freshmen? Double check. By the time camp ends, it’s officially prediction season—and hope springs eternal for every fan base (well, maybe not you, Kent State).
National Signing Day
For the next generation of college stars, National Signing Day is February 7. It’s when high school recruits make their commitments official—often with dramatic hat choices! Keep an eye on this date to see where your team’s future stars are headed.
Courtesy of Tony Giberson
When Jacob Copeland’s mother walked out on her son on national television following his commitment to Florida over Tennessee and Alabama, the internet went crazy!
A Day in the Life of an Offseason Player
Even in the offseason, Division I athletes are grinding. Between rigorous training regimens, film study, and maintaining academic eligibility, their schedules are anything but relaxed. Whether they’re squatting their body weight (twice) or studying for midterms, these players are proof that football is a year-round commitment.
The Offseason Game Plan
So, next time you feel the sting of the college football offseason, just remember: the action never really stops. From the NFL Draft to spring practices and beyond, there’s always something to keep you invested. And before you know it, it’ll be September again—time to break out the face paint and cheer on your team.
Until then, stay entertained, stay hydrated, and keep dreaming about Saturdays in the fall!
Edited by Elle Chavis
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