What's Happening?
The Heisman Trophy presentation on Saturday night, featuring Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, attracted the largest television audience for the event since 2012. The broadcast on ABC averaged
4.3 million viewers, marking the highest viewership since Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel won the award in 2012. The audience peaked at 5.8 million, a significant 69% increase from the previous year's 2.52 million viewers on ESPN. This year marked the return of the Heisman presentation to broadcast television for the first time since 1993, after being aired on ESPN from 1994 to 2024. Mendoza, who has led the Hoosiers to a 13-0 record and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, has thrown for 2,980 yards with 33 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Why It's Important?
The significant increase in viewership for the Heisman Trophy presentation highlights a renewed interest in college football and the prestige of the award. The return to broadcast television may have contributed to the higher ratings, suggesting a broader audience reach compared to cable networks. This surge in viewership could influence future broadcasting decisions for major sports events, potentially leading to more events being aired on network television to capture larger audiences. For the NCAA and college football programs, increased visibility can enhance recruitment efforts and boost the profile of college athletes like Fernando Mendoza, who are on the cusp of professional careers.
What's Next?
With the Heisman Trophy now in his possession, Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers will focus on the upcoming College Football Playoff, where they hold the No. 1 seed. The increased attention from the Heisman win could place additional pressure on Mendoza to perform at a high level. Broadcasters may also evaluate the success of this year's presentation to determine future strategies for airing college sports events, potentially leading to more collaborations between networks and sports organizations to maximize viewership.
