When Oregon Ducks football is on, people watch. Last season, the Ducks' appearances on ESPN's College GameDay broke viewership records both times that they hosted, showing that the Oregon brand reaches much further than just the state of Oregon.
That sentiment was felt once again to begin the 2026 season, as their matchup against the Boise State Broncos reached a high of 7.527 million viewers and represented CBS' most-watched Week 1 game in since 1998. The game, broadcast in Autzen Stadium, averaged 4.831 million viewers throughout, up +115% from a comparable game in 2025.
On the surface, the matchup between the Ducks and Broncos was one of the top games in Week 1 of college football, as Oregon has clear national title aspirations while Boise
State is viewed as one of the top contenders for a College Football Playoff spot out of the Group of Six.
Saturday’s presentation of Boise State-Oregon delivers the most-watched Week 1 game on CBS in 28 years: pic.twitter.com/bOgAO2uRh8
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) September 9, 2026
While the Ducks were favored by more than three touchdowns, it was never out of reach for the Broncos — in fact, while holding a 17-7 lead just before halftime, it looked like they might just run away with the game. But the Ducks punched back, scoring a touchdown before the half, beginning a string of 17 unanswered points to take the lead. Boise State then answered themselves, tying the game twice in the second half before Oregon scored a go-ahead touchdown that remained the final margin.
Oregon versus Boise State was hyped coming in, but it more than lived up the billing and delivered CBS their most-viewed game in 28 years.
Expected to be featured on national TV in nearly every game in 2025, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Ducks set even more viewership records.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon-Boise State is CBS’s most-watched Week 1 game in 28 years
