Texas-Ohio State thriller sets Week 2 viewership record
ABC's broadcast of Texas's comeback win over Ohio State averaged 14 million viewers, a Week 2 record. The game was the most-watched of the young season. Next week, Ole Miss hosts LSU in another marquee matchup.
The Saturday night showdown between Texas and Ohio State delivered a significant audience for ABC, establishing a new high-water mark for the second week of the college football season. The broadcast averaged 14 million viewers, making it the most-watched game of the young campaign and underscoring the immense drawing power of premier non-conference matchups.
This early-season ratings success highlights the sustained national interest in top-tier college football. The momentum is expected to continue next week, as the network will feature another marquee SEC clash when Ole Miss hosts LSU, a game that could attract similarly strong viewership numbers.
This record viewership could reinforce the commercial value of high-profile non-conference games, potentially influencing future scheduling agreements and broadcast negotiations. Networks and conferences may prioritize such matchups, which could benefit fans through more compelling television, but also increase pressure on athletes and coaches. The strong numbers also underscore college football's continued role as a major cultural and economic driver in American society.