Following the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship game, ESPN announced that the broadcast attracted 22.1 million viewers, marking it as the most-watched non-NFL sporting event over the past year. The viewership peaked at 26.1 million during the first half, underscoring the significant interest in the matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
In addition to the impressive viewership numbers, ESPN introduced a major broadcasting enhancement by presenting the main feed in 4K definition for the first time during a CFP National Championship. This upgrade provided viewers with a more immersive and high-quality viewing experience, which was well-received by the audience.
The game concluded with Ohio State securing a 34-23 victory over Notre Dame, earning their first national title since 2014. The Buckeyes’ quarterback, Will Howard, delivered an outstanding performance, completing 17 of 21 pass attempts for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Quinshon Judkins also contributed significantly, recording 100 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.
The championship game was part of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, a new format that added excitement and competition to the postseason. Both Ohio State and Notre Dame concluded their seasons with 14-2 records, showcasing their dominance throughout the expanded playoff.
ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the event included live shows such as “First Take,” “The Pat McAfee Show,” and “College GameDay” broadcasting from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, enhancing the overall experience for fans. Despite a 17% decline in viewership for the semifinals compared to the previous year, partly due to rescheduling from New Year’s Day, the championship game’s record-breaking numbers highlight the enduring popularity of college football.
