Get started with the API

Use the College Football Data REST API to retrieve game, team, player, recruiting, ranking, and analytics data. Send requests to this base URL:

Code
https://api.collegefootballdata.com

Get an API key

Request a free API key. Keep it out of source code by storing it in an environment variable:

Code
export CFBD_API_KEY='your-api-key'

Make your first request

Start by retrieving Michigan's games from the 2023 season:

Code
GET /games?year=2023&team=Michigan

Run the same request with cURL:

Code
curl --get 'https://api.collegefootballdata.com/games' \
  --data-urlencode 'year=2023' \
  --data-urlencode 'team=Michigan' \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer ${CFBD_API_KEY}"

A successful request returns a JSON array of game objects.

Choose how to keep building

• Use the API reference playground to inspect the games operation, enter parameters, and send a live request.
• Keep using raw HTTP for direct control over requests and responses.
• Use the Python quickstart to retrieve data with the official Python package.
• Use the TypeScript quickstart to call typed operations with the official TypeScript package.

Before building further, review Authentication for credential guidance and Usage and access for current access information and common API responses.

Prefer the new API reference for current documentation. If you need the previous interface, the legacy Swagger UI remains available during the transition.