• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 31, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

After Three Losses, Colorado’s Ratings Bonanza Is Losing Steam

  • Colorado’s double-overtime loss to Stanford drew just 3.3 million viewers, according to Sports TV Ratings.
  • Up until now, the Buffs created a ratings frenzy — with ESPN and Fox fighting over the chance to broadcast them.
After three losses, the Colorado Buffaloes' ratings bonanza appears to be losing steam.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

This season, the Colorado Buffaloes created a ratings frenzy — with ESPN and Fox, college football’s broadcast duopoly, each fighting over the chance to broadcast them. 

But after losing three games and suffering a major viewership decrease this week, Deion Sanders’ Buffs appear to be losing steam.

On Friday night, Colorado’s double-overtime loss to Stanford drew just 3.3 million viewers, according to Sports TV Ratings. That’s a huge drop from the 7.24 million who watched them lose to USC in Week 5 — the last time the Buffs were on national TV.

The Buffs’ mediocre performances have certainly contributed to the decrease in viewership. But so did the Friday night broadcast slot, which typically draws fewer viewers than Fox and ESPN’s top windows on Saturday morning and evening, respectively. 

The Colorado-Stanford game didn’t kick off until 10 p.m. ET — which Sanders called “the stupidest thing ever invented in life.”

“Who makes these 8 o’clock games? Dumbest thing ever,” he said Wednesday. “What about the East Coast — do they even care about ratings? Is anyone watching it?”

Even if the Buffs have lost the intrigue of the larger college football world, they’ve already achieved an unprecedented ratings feat. 

The Buffs averaged 8.5 million viewers through September, according to Fox Sports president of Insights and Analytics Michael Mulvihill — double what any network averaged for its top college football games.

Despite the ratings drop, Sanders hasn’t lost his cultural notoriety just yet. Less than 24 hours after blowing a 29-0 lead, he was portrayed in a sketch on the season premiere of “Saturday Night Live.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

4 of 10 Highest-Paid CFB Coaches Lose in Week 1

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer was the biggest surprise of the Week 1 losers.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
Barstool

Barstool Sues For Millions Over Failed Sponsorship Deal 

The media company says it was stiffed to the tune of $4.2 million.

Parsons Trade Reinforces Packers As NFL TV Powerhouse

Betting odds surge for Green Bay after acquiring the star defensive end.

Featured Today

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.
Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
August 22, 2025

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.

NFL Preseason Sees 17% Jump in TV Ratings, Best Since 2018

Average audiences for the exhibition games increase sharply from last year.
ESPN
August 27, 2025

Disney Sues Sling TV Over $5 Day Passes Granting ESPN Access

Newly introduced short-term subscriptions spark a legal challenge.
Tom Brady
August 27, 2025

NFL Continues to Loosen Tom Brady Restrictions

Brady will be able to attend production meetings–remotely–this season.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
August 27, 2025

FCC Chair Joins Fox–YouTube TV Fight With Big Game on the Line

The Trump appointee is now involved in another media carriage fight.
Aug 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tommy Fleetwood holds the FedExCup Trophy on the 18th green after winning the TOUR Championship golf tournament.
August 26, 2025

PGA Tour TV Ratings: Fleetwood’s Breakthrough Caps Playoff Surge

Sunday’s final round drew nearly 4.5 million viewers on NBC.
August 26, 2025

NFL Sunday Ticket Debuts Monthly Plan—but at a Steep Cost

Previously, fans had to purchase the service for the entire season.
August 21, 2025

Fox Enters Streaming Wars With Leaner, Sports-Heavy Approach

A different strategy marks the arrival of the network’s streaming service.