College football ratings are down double digits so far this season
By comparison, NFL ratings are essentially flat through three weeks.Some networks are up slightly, while others are down slightly.
The league's decision to open on a Wednesday instead of a Thursday this season has also weighed on the overall average.So this isn't because of declining interest in football this season.A view of Lane Kiffin on the sideline for the Ole Miss Rebels during an SEC football game.(Getty Images)THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.
DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!The reason for the decline in college football is less obvious than when sports viewership typically falls.Ratings drops are often tied to weaker matchups, political controversy, increased television competition, changes in measurement or shifts in network distribution.None of those explanations clearly apply to college football this season.Each of the first four weeks featured at least one 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.Here are the 10 most-watched games of the 2026 season so far:The number for Ohio State vs.
Texas is particularly notable.The same matchup drew 16.6 million viewers a year ago.Head Coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes talks with Quarterback Julian Sayin #10 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during a TV time out in the second quarter against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on September 13, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
(Jason Mowry/Getty Images)Several factors may have contributed to the decline.Last season, the teams met in Week 1, when anticipation was arguably higher.
There was also greater hype surrounding Arch Manning, and Ohio State entered the game as the defending national champion.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGEJust as important, last year's game kicked off at noon ET.This year's matchup didn't begin until 7:49 p.m.
ET on ABC.Late kickoff times have become a trend this season.Because of multiple weather delays in Bato...