What's Happening?
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has maintained its dominance in college football television ratings through the first ten weeks of the 2025 season. According to Nielsen Big Data + Panel metrics provided
by On3, SEC teams occupy seven of the top ten most-watched slots, with Alabama leading the nation in average viewership at 7.91 million. Georgia follows closely with 7.63 million viewers, while Tennessee ranks third at 7.03 million. Texas, driven by the hype around Arch Manning, ranks fourth with 6.48 million viewers. The SEC's strong national interest is evident as its games consistently rank among the most-watched live sports telecasts, including NFL games and the World Series.
Why It's Important?
The SEC's dominance in TV ratings highlights its significant influence on college football viewership and advertising revenue. High ratings translate into lucrative broadcasting deals, which can enhance the financial stability and competitive edge of SEC programs. This dominance also underscores the conference's ability to attract top talent and maintain a strong national presence, which can impact recruitment and the overall landscape of college football. The ongoing carriage dispute between Disney and YouTube TV, however, poses a potential threat to this momentum, as subscribers face blackouts on ABC and ESPN, key networks for college football broadcasts.
What's Next?
As the college football playoff race intensifies and the holiday season approaches, ratings are expected to receive another boost. The SEC's national appeal is likely to continue driving viewership, but the resolution of the Disney and YouTube TV dispute will be crucial in maintaining uninterrupted access to games. Stakeholders, including broadcasters and advertisers, will be closely monitoring the situation to assess its impact on future ratings and revenue streams.
