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College Football Playoff Sets Record Viewership Amid NFL Competition

12/24/2025

27 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The College Football Playoff set a record for first-round viewership, with Alabama vs. Oklahoma at 14.9 million and Miami vs. Texas A&M at 14.8 million.
The figures exceed last year's high of 14.68 million.
Group of 5 games drew smaller crowds: Ole Miss vs. Tulane (6.2 million) and Oregon vs. James Madison (4.4 million).
NFL games aired simultaneously, averaging 21.3 million viewers, contributing to lower college football ratings.

History

Historical Context

The College Football Playoff (CFP) debuted in 2014, replacing the controversial Bowl Championship Series (BCS) and introducing a four-team knockout format. This shift significantly increased viewership, with the 2015 championship attracting 33.4 million viewers, marking a 31% rise from the previous year. The CFP's expansion to 12 teams in 2024 reflects the growing popularity and financial potential of college football in the U.S.

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Story summary

The College Football Playoff set a record for first-round viewership, with Alabama vs. Oklahoma at 14.9 million and Miami vs. Texas A&M at 14.8 million.
The figures exceed last year's high of 14.68 million.
Group of 5 games drew smaller crowds: Ole Miss vs. Tulane (6.2 million) and Oregon vs. James Madison (4.4 million).
NFL games aired simultaneously, averaging 21.3 million viewers, contributing to lower college football ratings.

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