College football is surging once again on ESPN, with the network reporting its best start to a season in over a decade. Through the early weeks of the 2025 campaign, ESPN is averaging 2.3 million viewers per game, the highest mark since the 2009 season.
The impressive numbers highlight the growing appetite for college football content and reflect a strong national interest, fueled by marquee matchups, conference realignment drama, and increased visibility of Big 12 programs on primetime slots. With more top-tier games ahead and the playoff picture starting to take shape, ESPN’s increasing rating could continue deep into the season.
For the Big 12 specifically, its “games on ESPN networks are up six percent year-over-year, driven by 23 percent growth in weekday games,” per ESPN Press Room.
College GameDay is also on pace for its most-watched season ever, averaging 2.8 million viewers, which is a 28% increase year-over-year.
The momentum speaks volumes about the sport’s continued relevance and ESPN’s role in shaping the college football conversation.
In particular, the addition of new programs like Utah, Arizona, Arizona State, and Colorado has injected fresh energy and broader market appeal into the Big 12 slate. Weeknight games have also become appointment viewing, offering national exposure and driving significant audience growth.
Even dating back to 2023, the Big 12 broke records at ESPN when a matchup between Colorado and Colorado State brought in 9.3 million viewers, the most ever for a late-night college football game on the channel.
ESPN could be on track for a historic finish to the 2025 season, as the network is poised to ride this wave of momentum all the way through bowl season and beyond.
