Overall viewership for the 2026 college football season is down 11% compared to the first four weeks of 2025. FBS broadcasts have averaged 1.7 million viewers this season, according to Nielsen data.
By comparison, NFL ratings are essentially flat through three weeks. Some networks are up slightly, while others are down slightly. The league’s decision to open on a Wednesday instead of a Thursday this season has also weighed on the overall average.
So this isn’t because of declining interest in football this season.
A view of Lane Kiffin on the sideline for the Ole Miss Rebels during an SEC football game. (Getty Images)
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The reason for the decline in college football is less obvious than when sports viewership typically falls. Ratings drops are often tied to weaker matchups, political controversy, increased television competition, changes in measurement or shifts in network distribution.
None of those explanations clearly apply to college football this season.
Each of the first four weeks featured at least one marquee matchup: LSU vs. Clemson in Week 1, Ohio State vs. Texas in Week 2, LSU vs. Ole Miss in Week 3, and Texas vs. Tennessee in Week 4.
Here are the 10 most-watched games of the 2026 season so far:
- Ohio State–Texas: 14 million (ABC)
- LSU–Ole Miss: 10.9 million (ABC)
- Texas–Tennessee: 9.7 million (ABC)
- Ole Miss–Florida: 8.3 million (ABC)
- Oklahoma–Michigan: 8.2 million (Fox)
- Wisconsin–Notre Dame: 8.1 million (NBC)
- Alabama–Kentucky: 7.3 million (ABC)
- Florida State–Alabama: 7.0 million (ABC)
- Clemson–LSU: 5.8 million (ABC)
- Texas A&M–LSU: 5.7 million (ABC)
The number for Ohio State vs. Texas is particularly notable. The same matchup drew 16.6 million viewers a year ago.
Head Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes talks with Quarterback Julian Sayin #10 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during a TV time out in the second quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Several factors may have contributed to the decline. Last season, the teams met in Week 1, when anticipation was arguably higher. There was also greater hype surrounding Arch Manning, and Ohio State entered the game as the defending national champion.
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Just as important, last year’s game kicked off at noon ET. This year’s matchup didn’t begin until 7:49 p.m. ET on ABC.
Late kickoff times have become a trend this season. Because of multiple weather delays in Baton Rouge, ABC’s Week 1 matchup between LSU and Clemson didn’t begin until 9:40 p.m. ET. The delay almost certainly hurt the audience, with the game drawing fewer than 6 million viewers despite Lane Kiffin making his head coaching debut at LSU.
Another possible factor is the expanded College Football Playoff. The 12-team format has reduced the consequences of early-season losses. Ohio State’s defeat to Texas, for example, is unlikely to significantly damage its postseason chances. At 3-1, the Buckeyes are ranked No. 5 in the nation, ahead of several undefeated teams, including Indiana, Alabama and Florida.
Quarterback Julian Sayin #10 of the Ohio State Buckeyes and head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes watch a replay during the third quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Longtime college football fans may also point to broader changes that have altered the sport’s appeal, including conference realignment and the NIL era, which some believe has diminished the traditional connection between fans and players.
Those factors are worth considering, though it’s difficult to determine how much they have actually affected television viewership.
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Whatever the explanation, expanding the playoff to 24 teams would hardly address the issues. If the double-digit decline persists, television executives and conference officials ought to take a closer look at why.
The biggest matchup this weekend features No. 4 Ohio State against No. 14 Iowa on CBS at 3:30 p.m. ET. Ratings will also face stiffer competition as the MLB postseason continues.