Viewership for College Football Season Down 11% Compared to Last Year

<p>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.</p><p>In 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 affected the overall average.</p><p>The decline in college football viewership is not attributed to declining interest in the sport this season.</p><p>The reasons for the decline in college football ratings are less obvious than typical factors that affect sports viewership, such as weaker matchups, political controversy, increased television competition, changes in measurement, or shifts in network distribution.</p><p>None of these 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.</p><p>The matchup between Ohio State and Texas is particularly notable, as the same game drew 16.6 million viewers a year ago.</p><p>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.</p><p>Additionally, last year's game kicked off at noon ET, while this year's matchup began at 7:49 p.m. ET on ABC.</p><p>Late kickoff times have become a trend this season. Due to multiple weather delays in Baton Rouge, ABC's Week 1 matchup between LSU and Clemson did not start until 9:40 p.m. ET. This delay likely impacted the audience, with the game drawing fewer than 6 million viewers despite Lane Kiffin making his head coaching debut at LSU.</p><p>Another possible factor is the expanded College Football Playoff. The 12-team format has reduced the consequences of early-season losses. For example, Ohio State's defeat to Texas 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>These factors are worth considering, though it is difficult to determine how much they have actually affected television viewership.</p><p>Regardless of the explanation, expanding the playoff to 24 teams would likely not address the issues. If the double-digit decline persists, television executives and conference officials should examine the reasons more closely.</p><p>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 increased competition as the MLB postseason continues.</p>