With the aggressive play style of NCAA College Football gaining traction, viewership is soaring. On Saturdays, the sport now attracts an average of six million viewers, with major games reaching up to 16 million. This surge in popularity raises the question: where does the NFL stand in the midst of this increase?
In the first six weeks of the 2025 college football season, television ratings have seen a significant boost. Nielsen reports show an average viewership increase of 10.5% from the prior year, climbing from 1.9 million to 2.1 million viewers per game. This growth is especially evident among younger audiences, with a 15% rise in viewers aged 18 to 34. Notably, six games have surpassed the 10 million viewer mark, compared to just one at this stage last season.
The expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams has played a significant role in this surge in popularity. More teams have resulted in more competitive matchups, attracting larger audiences. For example, week five saw Alabama vs. Georgia draw 10.4 million viewers, while Oregon-Penn State on NBC captured 8.5 million.
Despite these achievements, the NFL remains the leader in viewership. In the first two weeks of the 2025 season, NFL games averaged 20.7 million viewers, a 4% rise from the previous year and a 17% increase from 2023. High-profile games, like the Eagles-Chiefs matchup, have attracted massive audiences, with the Week 2 game reaching 33.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched regular-season game in NFL history.
Experts suggest that the rise in college football viewership could influence the NFL’s scheduling and broadcasting strategies. “The NFL is closely monitoring college football’s expansion and its impact on viewership,” stated a local sports media analyst. “They may adapt their strategies to sustain their leading position in sports broadcasting.”
Looking ahead, the relationship between college football and the NFL is likely to continue evolving. Future developments could include collaborative broadcasting agreements and scheduling adjustments to reduce direct competition. As college football’s popularity grows, its influence on the sports media landscape is expected to increase, prompting both leagues to adapt to shifting dynamics.
