Ohio State Athletic Director explains why viewership numbers were down in the National Championship even when having 2 big Blue Blood schools playing.
The 2024 College Football National Championship, a game featuring two of the sport’s most storied programs—Ohio State and Alabama—was anticipated to be a massive event. With the wealth of talent on the field and the prestigious histories of both schools, many expected record-breaking viewership numbers. However, as the final ratings came in, it became apparent that the game had seen a decline in television viewership compared to past national championships, even with two “Blue Blood” programs competing. This unexpected dip in numbers led to questions about the state of college football viewership and the factors influencing how fans engage with the sport. Ohio State’s Athletic Director, in an interview, provided insights into this phenomenon, offering several reasons why the numbers might not have reflected the anticipated hype.
### 1. **The Changing Landscape of Media Consumption**
One of the primary factors that the Ohio State Athletic Director pointed to was the evolving nature of media consumption. With the advent of streaming platforms and changes in how fans watch television, traditional metrics—such as TV viewership—are no longer as reliable as they once were. While national championships in the past were typically watched by millions via traditional TV broadcasts, today’s fans have more options than ever before.
“People are still watching the games, but they’re consuming them in different ways,” said the Athletic Director. “With services like ESPN+, YouTube TV, and various other streaming platforms, the landscape has shifted. These platforms don’t always get counted in the same way traditional cable and satellite television do. We’re seeing an increasing number of fans watching games on their phones, laptops, or through streaming services that don’t always get factored into the overall numbers.”
The shift from linear TV to on-demand streaming means that many fans may still have tuned into the game but were counted outside the traditional viewership metrics. While this doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of interest, it does mean that the ways we measure success in terms of viewership need to be updated to reflect modern viewing habits.
### 2. **The Growing Popularity of Alternative Sports and Entertainment**
Another factor that the Athletic Director pointed out was the increased competition from other forms of entertainment. As the world of sports and entertainment continues to expand, fans have more options to engage with than ever before. From the rise of esports to the continued success of the NBA, NFL, and even niche sports, college football’s place in the cultural zeitgeist is no longer as dominant as it once was.
“Look, it’s not just about college football anymore,” the Director explained. “Fans are diversifying their entertainment options. Many are following other major sports like the NBA, MLB, and the NFL, which have larger year-round followings. And esports are only growing in popularity, particularly among younger demographics. We can’t ignore that fact.”
While college football remains a cultural touchstone for many, the competition for attention has never been more intense. With more entertainment options vying for fans’ time, it is becoming increasingly difficult for any single event, no matter how big, to capture the full attention of every potential viewer. Even two storied programs like Ohio State and Alabama—two schools whose games traditionally draw significant attention—are not immune to this growing phenomenon.
### 3. **A Saturation of Big Games**
The Athletic Director also discussed the saturation of high-stakes, highly publicized games throughout the season. In recent years, college football fans have become accustomed to a series of playoff-like games throughout the regular season, particularly as the sport has expanded its playoff format. The landscape has shifted from the days of a single major bowl game or championship game to a multi-week playoff system that has kept fans engaged for longer periods.
“By the time we reach the National Championship, fans have already witnessed multiple ‘big’ games,” he said. “Ohio State had already played in several highly competitive matchups throughout the season, including the Big Ten Championship. So by the time the championship comes around, the feeling isn’t the same. You’ve had an entire season of high-intensity games, and maybe that takes a bit of the luster off the championship itself.”
The proliferation of college football playoffs and conference championships means that the championship game is no longer the one-and-done, singular event it once was. Many fans have been watching, in some cases, playoff-caliber matchups since the early weeks of the season, and by the time the championship rolls around, it may feel like just another extension of the postseason rather than a standalone, must-watch event.
### 4. **Fan Base Fragmentation and Decreased National Fandom**
A significant trend that has emerged in recent years is the increasing fragmentation of fan bases. As college football has expanded into more markets and newer schools gain visibility, the once-dominant national fanbase that tuned into the National Championship has become more segmented.
“We’ve seen a shift where the true national fanbase for college football isn’t as large or as unified as it once was,” the Director explained. “In the past, national championship games were ‘events’ for all college football fans, even those whose teams weren’t involved. Today, the fanbases are more fragmented. People want to watch teams that they have personal connections with. So, if you’re not an Ohio State or Alabama fan, you might not be as invested in watching the game.”
This fragmentation is particularly evident among younger fans, who are increasingly drawn to specific players, teams, or regions rather than the national spectacle that the sport once represented. This shift in loyalty has had an impact on viewership, especially in championship games where the two teams involved might not be universally supported.
### 5. **The Rise of NIL and Transfer Portal Controversies**
Another issue that has contributed to the decline in viewership is the growing backlash over changes to the sport, particularly the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and the transfer portal. For some fans, these changes have made college football feel less pure and more like professional sports, where the focus is often on money and player movement rather than the traditional loyalty and pageantry of college athletics.
“Many fans have voiced concerns about the state of college football in recent years,” the Director said. “With the influx of NIL money and the constant player movement via the transfer portal, there’s a perception that the sport has lost some of its authenticity. There’s a sense that the spirit of college football is being eroded, and that can certainly affect fan engagement and viewership.”
The sense of disconnection that some fans feel about the current state of the sport may contribute to less interest in big games like the National Championship. When the sport feels more corporate or transactional, fans who once supported it for its amateurism and tradition may feel less compelled to tune in.
### 6. **The Influence of Digital and Social Media**
Finally, the Athletic Director discussed the influence of social media and digital content, which, while offering new ways to engage with the sport, also means that fans are consuming content differently. Highlights, commentary, and behind-the-scenes footage are available at the touch of a button, and many fans no longer feel the need to sit through a full game. This shift in how fans engage with sports media further affects the numbers for traditional broadcasts.
“The way people consume games has evolved,” the Director said. “Fans want instant access to the action, and social media allows them to get the highlights and key moments in real-time. This immediate gratification can reduce the number of people sitting down to watch the entire game.”
### Conclusion
The drop in viewership for the 2024 College Football National Championship, despite featuring two Blue Blood programs like Ohio State and Alabama, is a reflection of a larger trend in college football. While the sport remains immensely popular, changing viewing habits, increased competition for attention, and growing fan fragmentation all play a role in shaping the way fans engage with the game. The Athletic Director’s comments point to the need for a shift in how college football understands and measures its fan base, especially in an era where digital content and streaming platforms are reshaping the entire sports media landscape. The decline in viewership is not necessarily a sign of disinterest in the sport, but rather a signal of how the ways fans consume college football are evolving in response to broader cultural shifts.
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