• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 13, 2025

CFP Semifinals TV Ratings Drop 17% in 12-Team Format’s First Year

The College Football Playoff saw its TV ratings drop in the semifinals compared to last year. But there’s an important distinction in the new 12-team format.

Ohio State quarterback Will Howard (18) yells instructions to his team during the College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on Friday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.
Austin American-Statesman

TV ratings for the College Football Playoff semifinals were down roughly 17% in the first year of the new 12-team format, as the final four played out later in January than is typically the case.

This year’s matchups drew an average of 19.2 million viewers across ESPN’s standard multiplatform “MegaCast” approach, which is down by four million from last year’s CFP semifinals that averaged 23.2 million. 

Ohio State’s 28–14 victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl drew 20.6 million viewers Friday night, while Notre Dame’s 27–24 win over Penn State in the Orange Bowl had an audience of 17.8 million.

Rose-Colored Glasses

The important distinction is that last year’s semifinals played out on New Year’s Day, traditionally a huge TV day for college football. 

There was also the benefit of Michigan-Alabama playing out at the Rose Bowl, which usually draws a big rating no matter who is playing, and last year had 27.7 million people watch. That was a bigger audience than the Michigan-Washington national championship game drew (25 million). The other CFP semifinal a year ago, Washington-Texas in the Sugar Bowl, drew 18.7 million viewers.

Further showcasing the power of the Rose Bowl, this year’s game on Jan. 1, which saw Ohio State defeat Oregon in the quarterfinals, is the CFP’s most-watched game so far, with 21.1 million viewers. Ohio State led 34–0 in the second quarter.

Next year, the Fiesta and Peach bowls will host the CFP semifinals, also on the second Thursday and Friday of January, which should make for a clean comparison to this year’s game.

Trending Up

With the CFP down to its final matchup, here’s a look at round-by-round average viewership heading into the title game:

  • First round: 10.6 million
  • Quarterfinals: 16.9 million
  • Semifinals: 19.2 million

ESPN and TNT Sports platforms each had two first-round game broadcasts, while ESPN carried all four quarterfinals and both semifinals.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 5, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of the NBA logo and NBA app logo and basketballs in front of the base during warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Suns at the American Airlines Center.

NBA Will Take Over League Pass After WBD Divorce

The league now has full operational control of those media assets.

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.
Oct 11, 2025; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti watches game play against the Oregon Ducks during the fourth quarter at Autzen Stadium.

How Indiana Quietly Became a Big Spender in Football

The Hoosiers are ranked No. 3 in the AP Poll, the highest in program history.

Featured Today

Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.

College Football Coach Firings Nearing $100M in Contract Buyouts

Two other coaches besides James Franklin were fired Sunday.
Patrick Kraft
exclusive
October 11, 2025

Penn State, Adidas Deny Wrongdoing Around $300M Apparel Deal

The school and the brand publicly defended their 10-year deal Saturday.
October 12, 2025

Penn State Fires James Franklin, Will Pay Nearly $50M Buyout

The Nittany Lions lost again Saturday, falling to 3-3 this season.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Sep 27, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava (9) passes the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
October 10, 2025

Big Ten Vote on Investment From California Pension Expected

A vote is expected to happen as early as next week, FOS confirmed.
Oct 9, 2025; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti speaks during Big Ten MenÕs Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
October 10, 2025

In an Expanded March Madness, Big Ten Favors Straight Seeding

Discussion around expanding the tournament continues to escalate.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan talks with people outside the Shriver Job Corps Center in Devens June 18
October 10, 2025

Congresswoman Says College Sports Commission Process Is ‘Harming Athletes’

The CSC’s process is “slow, inefficient, and inscrutable,” Rep. Trahan said.
exclusive
October 9, 2025

LSU Signs Multimillion-Dollar Jersey Patch Deal Before NCAA Approval

A new proposal would allow jersey sponsors in 2026.