Last year, college football saw its TV ratings surge and looked to keep the trend going in 2026. On3 is tracking the most-watched games of the season, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel data compiled weekly.
Through the first four weeks, Texas' thrilling comeback win over Ohio State emerged as the top game of the college football season. It was the first game of the year to hit 10 million viewers, averaging nearly 14 million as part of the Week 2 slate.
$19.99 gets you a FULL year of On3 | Rivals national coverage
Here is a look at the Top 10 most-watched games of the 2026 season as of Week 8, which will be updated weekly. Additionally, a TV ratings tracker is below the Top 10 with viewership for every Nielsen-rated college football game of the year.
Note: SEC Network, ACC Network and CBS Sports Network do not pay for Nielsen to measure viewership.
Date/Time: Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m. ET (Week 2)
Channel: ABC
Viewers: 13.99 million
The biggest game of Week 2 delivered for ABC. Texas' thrilling comeback win over Ohio State became the most-watched game on the schedule with 14.0 million viewers, which was down from last year's game, which brought 16.6 million on FOX.
The Longhorns rallied from a 23-3 deficit entering the fourth quarter to get the 24-23 win over the then-top ranked Buckeyes. Arch Manning threw for a touchdown in that final frame while Hollywood Smothers ran in two scores, including the eventual game-winner.
Date/Time: Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. ET (Week 6)
Channel: ABC
Viewers: 12.24 million
ABC's primetime game in Week 6 delivered in a big way. Georgia and Alabama went down to the wire at Bryant-Denny Stadium before the Bulldogs came away with the 20-17 victory in the most-watched game of the week – and the second most-watched of the season, per data compiled by On3 .
Gunner Stockton went 18-for-22 for 249 yards and a touchdown, to one interception, while also adding a rushing touchdown to lead the charge. Georgia also jumped up to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 as a result of the win, coupled with Texas' loss to Oklahoma .
Date/Time: Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m. ET (Week 3)
Channel: ABC
Viewers: 10.90 million
The top draw in Week 3 delivered as the most-watched game on the schedule. Ole Miss' victory over LSU averaged 10.9 million viewers on ABC to rank as the second-most watched game of the year, according to data compiled by On3.
SUBSCRIBE to the On3 NIL and Sports Business Newsletter
The game was one of the most anticipated matchups of the year as Lane Kiffin made his return to Oxford for the first time since leaving Ole Miss last season. Trinidad Chambliss stole the show as he completed 33 of 48 passes for 363 yards and two touchdowns in the air, and he ran in what proved to be the game-winning touchdown with 6:14 to go in the fourth quarter.
Date/Time: Oct. 17, 12 p.m. ET (Week 7)
Channel: FOX
Viewers: 10.38 million
In a hotly contested matchup, it appeared as though Indiana was going to avoid the upset against Ohio State . However, Nick Marsh was out of bounds when he caught the go-ahead touchdown, and the Buckeyes prevailed on FOX in the most-watched game of Week 7.
With the win, Ohio State ended Indiana's 22-game win streak, dating back to last season. However, the Buckeyes saw quarterback Julian Sayin go down with an injury that Ryan Day said could keep him out "several weeks."
Date/Time: Oct. 7, 3:30 p.m. ET (Week 6)
Channel: ABC
Viewers: 9.82 million
The Red River Rivalry provided great theatre in Week 6 as Oklahoma rallied to take down Texas . Tate Sandell sent the game-winning field goal through the uprights as time expired, sealing the Sooners' victory over the Longhorns.
It marked Texas' first loss of the season after a 4-0 start to the year. Oklahoma, meanwhile, got above .500 after two losses prior to the bye week while the defense contained Arch Manning and the Longhorns offense.
Date/Time: Sept. 26, 12 p.m. ET (Week 4)
Channel: ABC
Viewers: 9.7 million
Defense was the name of the game in Texas' victory over Tennessee at Neyland Stadium. The matchup led off the Week 4 slate and brought a TV ratings win for ABC in its early college football slot as the most-watched game of the week.
Considered the top game of the noon window, Texas' victory brought in 9.7 million viewers for ABC to lead the Week 4 slate. Colin Simmons set a Longhorns program record with 5.5 sacks as Texas held off a late Vols push to get the road win.
Date/Time: Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. ET (Week 7)
Channel: ABC
Viewers: 9.16 million
The headliner of the Week 7 primetime slate, Notre Dame and BYU squared off in a highly anticipated Top-10 matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The Cougars fought off a late charge, though, and got the win in ABC's most-watched game of Week 7.
Bear Bachmeier had a huge game with two rushing touchdowns, a passing touchdown and a receiving touchdown to lead the way. On the Notre Dame side, CJ Carr led the Irish down the field before a final touchdown pass attempt fell incomplete.
Date/Time: Sept. 26, 3:30 p.m. ET (Week 4)
Channel: ABC
Viewers: 8.3 million
Florida made quite a statement with its Week 4 victory over Ole Miss in Gainesville. The Rebels couldn't stop Jadan Baugh and the Gators' high-powered rushing attack as the game became one of the most-watched of the week with 8.3 million viewers.
Florida skyrocketed up the rankings after the game amid a strong start to the Jon Sumrall era. UF is now 4-0 heading into this week's road matchup against Missouri , which will air in the same 3:30 p.m. ET window on ABC.
Date/Time: Sept. 12, 12 p.m. ET (Week 2)
Channel: FOX
Viewers: 8.22 million
FOX's Big Noon Saturday game saw one of the upsets in Week 2. Oklahoma's offense struggled mightily against Michigan , and the Wolverines were able to capitalize and get the victory in the early window in front of more than 8 million viewers.
Michigan forced two Oklahoma turnovers, including a fourth-quarter interception of John Mateer that helped set up the go-ahead touchdown. The Sooners had one last chance in the final minute, but the drive stalled out as the Wolverines held on for the 17-10 upset win.
Date/Time: Oct. 17, 3:30 p.m. ET (Week 7)
Channel: ABC
Viewers: 8.10 million
As Alabama and Tennessee renewed their rivalry, the Volunteers' defense stepped up and kept the Crimson Tide quiet. ABC's late-afternoon game in Week 7 also brought in 8.1 million viewers for the Third Saturday in October.
DeSean Bishop once again anchored the Volunteers rushing attack in the effort. He took 32 carries for 159 yards and two touchdowns as Tennessee improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in SEC play with the 26-10 win.
In 2025, college football saw TV ratings increase 4% during the regular season and a 9% uptick in minutes consumed, counting the postseason. The College Football Playoff also saw ratings surge in the first year of Nielsen's Big Data + Panel reporting method, as well. This season provides a chance for more of an apples-to-apples comparison.
