Regular season
One 10-minute period. Both teams must have a chance to possess the ball, unless the kicking team scores a safety on the opening possession. If it is still tied when that period ends, the game is a tie.
Guides
Overtime
A tie after 60 minutes is not the same game in these three books. Downs and the points are on downs and scoring.
NFL
Rule 16 of the 2026 official playing rules. Modified sudden death.
Postseason
The period is 15 minutes. If it is still tied, or the second team’s first possession has not ended, another period starts. Play continues until there is a winner.
CFL
Section 8 of the 2026 rulebook. An overtime mini-game.
From the 35
Each team scrimmages at the opponent’s 35 and keeps the ball until it scores or loses possession. A touchdown in overtime must be followed by a two-point convert from the 3.
Still tied
A playoff or Grey Cup game plays more mini-games until someone wins. A regular-season game goes to alternating two-point converts from the 3.
Equal chances
A winner is the team with more points after each side has had the same number of chances to score.
NCAA
Extra periods in the 2025 NCAA Football Rules Book. Untimed possessions.
From the 25
Each extra period is two possessions. The offense snaps on or between the hash marks at the opponent’s 25-yard line and keeps the ball until it scores or fails to make a first down.
Second extra period
A touchdown must be followed by a two-point try. A one-point try does not score.
From the third
Each possession is one play for a two-point try from the 3-yard line, unless a penalty moves it.
Sources
2026 NFL Official Playing Rules