The college football season begins in less than a week with State of Florida And Georgia Tech Institute Meeting in Dublin.
With the rise of NIL, the transfer portal and College Football Playoff Thanks to the expansion, this year will be one of the most unique in the history of the sport, with attendance and fan base at an all-time high.
Using last year’s TV data and this year’s busy schedule, On3 predicts the 10 most-watched games of the college football season:
1. Michigan vs. Ohio State
The most watched game in college football for three years in a row, the drama surrounding Michigan at Ohio State in 2024 will be high. Ryan Day and the Buckeyes have lost three years in a row in the game. Questions remain about the quarterback position for Michigan going into the fall. In addition, the Wolverines are coming off a national championship and in the first year with Sherron MooreMeanwhile, expectations for Ohio State in Columbus are huge. Last year’s game on FOX brought in $19.07 million. Given the pressure and expectations on the Buckeyes in 2024, this game should live up to its expectations.
2. Georgia in Alabama
It is a rematch of last year’s SEC Championship Game, which drew 17.52 million viewers on CBS. This year’s edition will be played during the regular season and will include freshmen Alabama Coach Kalen DeBoer. The Tide will have a break when they host the Bulldogs. Like Alabama, Georgia will return from a break. The Bulldogs open the season against Clemson and visit Kentucky before you play the Tide.
3. Texas vs. Michigan
One of the best games outside of the college football season is the host team, the reigning national champion Texas at the Big House on September 7. Both were ranked in the top 10 at the start of the season, the only previous meeting between the two schools was in the 2005 Rose Bowl after the 2004 season. The game is for Great lunchtime kick-off To FOX.
4. Ohio State at Oregon
Ohio State is considered the most eagerly awaited duel in the new Big Ten and will Oregon on October 12. The game time has yet to be announced, but the game is expected to be broadcast in prime time on NBC. Both teams should be undefeated at this point in the season. And with the new 12-team College Football Playoff, both will be battling for seeding and a spot in the Big Ten standings. Two of the biggest brands in the sport are now in the same conference and should attract attention.
5. Notre Dame at Texas A&M
As one of the top duels of Week 1, the Top 20 Duel will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC will be very well received. Mike Elkos In his first game as head coach in College Station, his former duke quarterback, Riley Leonardin his first appearance with the Fighting Irish. It is the beginning of a decisive fourth year for Marcus Freemanwho has yet to make the College Football Playoff. With the expansion, expectations to reach the postseason will be higher. Texas A&M And Notre-Dame Both sustained offensive injuries during training camp, which resulted in the end of the season.
6. Oklahoma-Texas
This matchup grossed $7.87 million. ABC just outside the top 10 a year ago. But now it’s SEC conference play, and the Red River Rivalry will come with renewed energy. The game is set for October 12th at the Cotton Bowl and is expected to be a top 20 matchup. Brent Venables His breakthrough came last year when he achieved his first victory over Texas. Oklahoma’s Head coach. Now he will bring in a first-year starter Jackson-Arnold.
7. Texas at Texas A&M
Texas and Texas A&M have played each other 118 times in a series that began in 1894, but have not played since 2011 because the Aggies left the Big 12 to join the SEC the following year. Now they are conference opponents again, this time in the SEC. The rivalry will reignite on Nov. 30 when Texas visits the Aggies in College Station. The schools are expected to announce a sponsor for the rivalry series this week. State Farm Insurance Sponsored the rivalry in all sports from 2004 to 2011 before Texas A&M joined the SEC. Game date has not yet been set.
8. LSU-USC
A year ago State of Florida And LSU played in the Sunday game of Labor Day weekend, which drew 9.17 million viewers on ABC. Now the Tigers play USC in the Modelo Vegas Kickoff Classic at Allegiant Stadium. Schedule for Sunday, September 1, 7:30 p.m. ET on ABCBoth programs had difficulties at times during the 2023 season. Garrett Nussmeier (LSU) and Müller Moos (USC) will play their first games as real starters. It will be the first look at USC’s defense under the defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynnto.
9. Miami, Florida
An important college football game in the Sunshine State in Week 1, it could be the decisive game of the year for Miami or Florida depending on the result. Billy Napier is on the hot seat for the Gators in his third year. A win over the Hurricanes could set the tone for a decisive season. Expectations are high for Miami after the Hurricanes put together one of the best portal classes in the country. Mario Cristobal has yet to find success on the field during his time as head coach in Miami. Either way, the game on August 31 at 3:30 a.m. ET will have a big impact.
10. Colorado in Nebraska
A year ago Nebraska at Colorado brought 8.73 million viewers to ABC. This game featured a lot of stars, led by Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter And Deion SandersBut now, in the second year of Matt Rhule Era, the Huskers have their star in a true freshman quarterback Dylan RaiolaWith plenty of talent on both sidelines and a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on NBC on September 7, this game should live up to expectations.
