Viewership for the college football season of 2026 has decreased by 11% compared to the same period in 2025, with FBS broadcasts averaging about 1.7 million viewers this season, based on Nielsen data.
In contrast, NFL ratings have remained relatively stable over the first three weeks; some networks have seen slight increases while others have dipped a bit. The NFL’s choice to kick off the season on a Wednesday rather than a Thursday this year has contributed to these averages.
This drop in college football ratings, however, doesn’t appear to stem from a waning interest in the sport.
The reasons for the decline aren’t as obvious as those typically linked to drops in sports viewership, which usually include weaker matchups, political issues, increased competition from other TV shows, changing measurement approaches, or shifts in network distribution.
This season doesn’t seem to fit those patterns.
Each of the first four weeks featured at least one compelling matchup: for instance, LSU versus Clemson in Week 1, Ohio State taking on Texas in Week 2, LSU against Ole Miss in Week 3, and Texas facing Tennessee in Week 4.
Here are the ten most-watched games so far this season:
- 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 viewership for Ohio State versus Texas stands out, especially since a year ago the same matchup attracted 16.6 million viewers.
Several elements may explain this decline. Last season, these teams played in Week 1, when excitement was arguably higher. Even the presence of Arch Manning garnered more buzz, and Ohio State was then the defending national champion.
Additionally, the kickoff for last year’s game was at noon ET, while this year’s started at 7:49 p.m. ET on ABC.
Late game start times have been a pattern this season, too. In Week 1, due to weather delays, ABC’s matchup between LSU and Clemson didn’t kick off until 9:40 p.m. ET, likely impacting viewership, resulting in fewer than 6 million people watching despite Lane Kiffin making his debut as head coach at LSU.
Another factor could be the newly expanded College Football Playoff. With the 12-team format, the stakes of early-season losses seem diminished. For instance, Ohio State’s loss to Texas won’t severely impact its chances for the postseason, as the Buckeyes currently hold a 3-1 record and are ranked fifth, ahead of other undefeated teams.
Veteran college football fans might also mention broader changes affecting the sport’s allure, such as conference realignment and the NIL era, which some argue has weakened the connection fans have with players.
These considerations are noteworthy, though pinpointing their exact impact on TV viewership is challenging.
Regardless of the reasons behind these trends, expanding the playoff to 24 teams may not resolve the issues. If this notable drop in viewership continues, television executives and conference officials may need to investigate further.
Looking ahead, this weekend’s major matchup features No. 4 Ohio State against No. 14 Iowa at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS. Ratings could face increased competition from the ongoing MLB postseason.
