College football viewership is down 11% through the first four weeks of the 2026 season compared to the same stretch last year, according to Nielsen data cited by Fox News. FBS broadcasts have averaged 1.7 million viewers so far this season.
The drop isn’t a football problem. NFL ratings are essentially flat through three weeks, with some networks up slightly and others down slightly. The league’s move to open on a Wednesday instead of a Thursday this year has dragged on its average too, but nothing close to double digits.
College football’s decline is harder to explain away. The usual culprits for ratings slumps don’t apply here. There’s been no shortage of weak competition, no political firestorm, no major shift in how the games are measured or distributed, and each of the first four weeks delivered a genuine 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.
The Ohio State-Texas number stands out. That same matchup pulled in 16.6 million viewers a year ago. This season, the audience fell well short.
Several things changed. Last year the Buckeyes and Longhorns met in Week 1, when anticipation ran higher, Arch Manning hype was at its peak, and Ohio State entered as the defending national champion. This year’s version came later in the schedule with less buzz attached.
Kickoff time mattered too. Last year’s game started at noon ET. This year it didn’t kick off until 7:49 p.m. ET on ABC. Late starts have been a recurring problem this season. ABC’s Week 1 broadcast of LSU-Clemson, delayed repeatedly by weather in Baton Rouge, didn’t begin until 9:40 p.m. ET. Despite Lane Kiffin’s debut as LSU’s head coach, the game drew fewer than 6 million viewers.
The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff may also be softening the stakes of early-season games. Ohio State’s loss to Texas isn’t expected to meaningfully hurt its postseason chances. At 3-1, the Buckeyes sit at No. 5 nationally, ahead of several undefeated teams including Indiana, Alabama and Florida.
Longtime fans point to bigger structural shifts, too conference realignment and the NIL era, which some believe has weakened the bond between fans and the players on the field. Whatever is driving the drop, it’s a real trend worth watching as the season continues.
This weekend’s biggest game pits No. 4 Ohio State against No. 14 Iowa on CBS at 3:30 p.m. ET, with ratings facing additional competition from the ongoing MLB postseason.
