Record-Breaking Viewership

The first round of the College Football Playoffs has exceeded all expectations, shattering viewership records across ABC, ESPN, and TNT. Despite a few one-sided games, fans flocked to their screens, resulting in historic ratings that can't be ignored.

Top Matches

Leading the charge was the thrilling encounter between Ohio State and Tennessee, which drew an astounding 14.3 million viewers, making it the second-most-watched college football game of the entire season. The excitement peaked at an impressive 16.5 million viewers during the game, showcasing the intense fan engagement surrounding these playoffs.

Not far behind was the highly anticipated night game featuring Notre Dame against Indiana, which aired the night before. This matchup captivated 13.4 million viewers, peaking at 14.8 million, securing its place as the third-most-watched college football game of the year. The rivalry and tradition associated with these two teams undoubtedly contributed to the high numbers.

Texas took on Clemson in the featured 4 p.m. ET slot on Saturday, pulling in 8.6 million viewers. This matchup marked a monumental occasion as it became the most-viewed college football game ever broadcast on TNT, and the highest-rated December sporting event on TNT, TBS, or TruTV in over two decades, peaking at 9.8 million viewers. Fans were glued to their screens, setting a new standard for the network.

Meanwhile, the Noon ET clash between Penn State and SMU, though it garnered the lowest ratings of the four games with an average of 6.4 million viewers, still made history as the second-most watched college football game on TNT ever, peaking at 7.9 million. This underscores the sheer popularity of college football, even in matchups that may not captivate audiences as strongly.

Overall Impact

Collectively, these four games drew an impressive average of 10.6 million viewers across all live broadcasting and streaming platforms, proving that college football is more than just a game—it’s a national phenomenon.

While the matchups may not have been the nail-biters some fans hoped for, one thing is clear: the ratings from this year’s first-round playoff set a new precedent for future games. As we look forward to the quarterfinals, fans are buzzing with excitement. The next slate of games, featuring elite teams and high stakes, has the potential to break even more records, turning this playoff season into an unforgettable spectacle. Don’t miss the action!