The Ohio State Buckeyes clinched a thrilling National Championship on Monday night, defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a score of 34-23. This victory marked a significant achievement for the Buckeyes, but the excitement on the field did not translate into a viewership bonanza for ESPN.
National Championship Ratings Struggle
Despite the drama of the game, the ratings tell a different story. The 2025 National Championship game recorded an average viewership of only 22.1 million, reflecting a 12.1% decline from the previous year. This disappointing figure positions it as the fifth-least watched title game in the last 27 years, according to recent data. With ticket prices soaring, the contrast between the on-field action and the audience engagement raises questions about the future of college football viewership.
Impact of Expanded Playoff Format
This year marked the first season of the expanded college football playoffs, featuring 12 teams vying for the championship. While the format was designed to increase excitement and competition, analysts suggest it may have inadvertently affected ratings. Many football fans are simply not accustomed to tuning into college games in late January, a time when the NFL playoffs are in full swing. The National Championship game aired on the Monday following the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, where fans were already engrossed in back-to-back action.
Viewing Peaks and Trends
The game peaked early, attracting 26.1 million viewers around 8:30 PM ET. Although it was the most-watched college game of the season and the highest-rated non-NFL sporting event since the last Super Bowl, the overall trend is concerning. In fact, three of the least-watched title games have occurred within the last five years. Following this year’s game, Alabama vs. Ohio State in 2021 averaged 19.1 million, while Georgia’s blowout win over TCU in 2023 drew just 17.2 million viewers.
Game Highlights and Coach’s Remarks
The Buckeyes took control early, establishing a commanding 31-7 lead before Notre Dame mounted a late comeback that ultimately fell short. After the game, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day reflected on the season, stating, "It wasn’t like at the end of the year we were broken, it wasn’t that way. We had an awful day, and we just said we could never do that again." Day’s leadership has been pivotal, and he netted a $1 million winning bonus for his team’s national title, adding to his impressive $10 million annual salary.
Broadcasting Dynamics
The game was broadcast on local ESPN cable networks but did not air on ABC, which may have contributed to the lower viewership numbers. The decision to keep it off a major network could have limited its reach, particularly among casual fans who might not have tuned in otherwise.
Looking Ahead: The Future of College Football
As college football continues to evolve, the recent shake-up with teams switching conferences has created a ripple effect in the sport. Oklahoma and Texas moving from the Big 12 to the SEC has left the Pac-12 conference in a precarious position, losing 10 of its 12 members. The landscape is shifting, with Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah heading to the Big 12, while Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington join the Big Ten. California and Stanford will be moving to the ACC, leaving the Pac-12 with just Oregon State and Washington State.
Final Thoughts
The National Championship game showcased the talent and determination of the Ohio State Buckeyes, but the struggle for viewership raises important questions about the current state of college football. With the NFL playoffs capturing the spotlight and the expanded playoff format still finding its footing, it remains to be seen how these factors will shape the future of college football viewership. Will fans adapt to the new landscape, or will college football continue to face challenges in attracting a broader audience? Only time will tell, but for now, the Buckeyes can bask in their hard-earned glory as national champions.
