The 2026 college football season has delivered a massive ratings surge, with Texas’ dramatic Week 2 comeback victory over Ohio State emerging as the year’s most-watched contest. According to Nielsen Big Data + Panel data compiled by On3, the ABC broadcast averaged nearly 14 million viewers, becoming the first game of the season to cross the 10 million threshold. This standout performance underscores the continued growth in national interest, as networks and fans alike look to sustain the momentum established in the early weeks of the campaign.
Texas’ epic Ohio State comeback breaks 14 million viewer barrier in Week 2
As of Week 9, the top 10 most-watched games list reflects a competitive landscape where high-profile matchups drive significant viewership. The Texas-Ohio State game, aired on September 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET, stands alone at the top with 13.99 million viewers, significantly outpacing other early-season marquee events. This data highlights the power of historic rivalries and high-stakes narratives in capturing the attention of the broader sports audience, setting a high bar for the remainder of the season.
Analysts note that while major broadcast networks continue to dominate the ratings charts, the absence of Nielsen data from SEC Network, ACC Network, and CBS Sports Network means the true scale of digital and cable viewership remains partially obscured. Nevertheless, the available metrics confirm a robust start to the 2026 season, with weekly updates to the tracker providing essential insights into viewer habits. As the season progresses, the competition for the top spot will likely intensify, with upcoming conference championship games and playoff contenders poised to challenge Texas’ current record.
Source: Yahoo Sports
