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College Football Viewership Soars 21% Ahead of Big Games

9/13/2025

42 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

College football viewership has increased by 21% compared to last season, per Nielsen data.
Fox Sports president anticipates a third consecutive year of record viewership.
The Ohio State vs. Texas game was the most-watched, with 16.62 million viewers.
Upcoming games feature No. 6 Georgia at No. 15 Tennessee and No. 16 Texas A&M at No. 8 Notre Dame.
The CW aims for its highest college football viewership with No. 18 South Florida at No. 5 Miami.

History

Historical Context

Established in 1998, the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) transformed college football by enhancing its visibility and profitability, exemplified by ESPN's $500 million media rights deal. This shift contributed to a surge in viewership, with 16.62 million tuning in for the Ohio State vs. Texas game, highlighting the ongoing competition among networks for advertising revenue and sports broadcasting rights.

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Story summary

College football viewership has increased by 21% compared to last season, per Nielsen data.
Fox Sports president anticipates a third consecutive year of record viewership.
The Ohio State vs. Texas game was the most-watched, with 16.62 million viewers.
Upcoming games feature No. 6 Georgia at No. 15 Tennessee and No. 16 Texas A&M at No. 8 Notre Dame.
The CW aims for its highest college football viewership with No. 18 South Florida at No. 5 Miami.

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