College Football TV Ratings Surge as SEC Showdowns Dominate Week 8 Viewership

ABC secured another dominant weekend in college football broadcasting. The network captured the three most-watched games of Week 8. An SEC clash between Ole Miss and Georgia topped the charts, drawing nearly 10 million viewers.

According to Nielsen data, the thrilling matchup was one of seven college football games to rank in the week’s Top 25 live sports telecasts. The strong numbers highlight the sport’s continued drawing power as the season enters its final stretch.

SEC Matchups Drive Peak Audience Numbers

The game in Athens was a high-scoring affair. Georgia ultimately secured a 43-35 victory over Ole Miss. The broadcast on ABC attracted 9.79 million viewers, making it the most-watched game of the week.

The primetime slot also delivered a massive audience. Alabama’s rivalry win over Tennessee on ABC drew 8.01 million viewers. Earlier, LSU’s visit to Vanderbilt kicked off the day with 5.94 million viewers, giving ABC a clean sweep of the top three spots.

Networks See Widespread Success Across Key Time Slots

Other networks also reported robust viewership. The storied USC-Notre Dame game on NBC brought in 4.6 million fans. Fox’s popular “Big Noon Saturday” broadcast of Washington at Michigan attracted 4.32 million viewers.

CBS and ESPN also featured prominently in the top ten. Ohio State’s shutout of Wisconsin on CBS drew 4 million viewers. ESPN’s Friday night coverage of Louisville’s upset over Miami captivated 3.41 million people. These numbers confirm a healthy appetite for college football across all major networks.

The consistent strength of college football TV ratings underscores the sport’s deep connection with fans nationwide. Key conference matchups continue to be a reliable driver for massive weekly viewership and dominant TV ratings performances.

Info at your fingertips

Which game was the most-watched in Week 8?

The Ole Miss at Georgia game was the most-watched. It attracted 9.79 million viewers on ABC. The high-scoring SEC showdown was a clear winner with audiences.

How did ABC perform compared to other networks?

ABC dominated the weekend by winning all three major time slots. Its broadcasts occupied the top three positions in the viewership rankings. The network continues its strong season performance.

Did any Friday night games draw significant audiences?

Yes, the Friday night slate performed very well. Louisville at Miami on ESPN drew 3.41 million viewers. Nebraska at Minnesota on Fox followed with 2.66 million viewers.

How does this viewership compare to earlier in the season?

Week 8 ratings indicate sustained strong interest. The Ole Miss-Georgia game ranks among the Top 10 most-watched games of the entire season so far. The sport’s popularity remains high.

Which conference generated the most viewership?

SEC games were a major draw for viewers. Four of the top five most-watched games featured SEC teams. The conference’s compelling matchups consistently attract large television audiences.