Ohio State’s national championship win over Notre Dame was an unforgettable night for Buckeyes fans, but the broader television audience told a different story. The game drew 22.1 million viewers on ESPN networks, marking a significant drop from last year’s Michigan vs. Washington matchup, which garnered 25 million viewers. With a peak audience of 26 million, this year’s numbers are far from abysmal, but they raise questions about external factors that may have pulled viewers away from college football’s biggest night.
One major factor that might have influenced viewership was the timing of the game. The championship aired just hours after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. The political event dominated news cycles and likely drew attention away from the sports world. For many Americans, the spectacle of a new president taking office may have been a bigger draw than the clash between Ohio State and Notre Dame.
The expanded 12-team playoff format also played a role in shaping this year’s championship landscape. With more teams participating, fans were treated to a longer postseason that extended deeper into January. While the new system promised excitement, the prolonged schedule might have led to viewer fatigue, leaving fans less eager to tune in for the finale.
The game itself, while entertaining, may not have helped matters. By halftime, Ohio State held a comfortable lead, which they never relinquished. While Notre Dame attempted to close the gap, the Buckeyes’ dominance left little doubt about the outcome. This lack of suspense likely contributed to a lower level of sustained interest from casual viewers.
These factors paint a picture of a championship game overshadowed by circumstances beyond the field. As college football looks to grow its audience in the expanded playoff era, it must contend with competing distractions, from politics to an oversaturated sports calendar. The hope is that future matchups will find ways to captivate audiences despite the challenges.
