Indiana Triumphs Over Miami as Second-Most Watched CFP Final
Indiana’s dramatic victory over Miami in the College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship captivated audiences as the second-most watched CFP final in history. The Hoosiers triumphed with a score of 27-21, marking their first national title in football.
Record-Breaking Viewership
The game, which aired on January 22, 2026, attracted an impressive average of 30.1 million viewers, as reported by Nielsen. This achievement makes it the most viewed college football game in over a decade.
Comparative Viewer Statistics
Indiana’s championship performance is notable for several reasons:
- Second-most watched CFP title game ever.
- Only surpassed by Ohio State’s 2015 victory over Oregon, which had 33.9 million viewers.
- Most viewed non-NFL sports telecast since the 2016 World Series Game 7.
- Ranked as the fourth-most watched college football game in the last 30 years.
- Eighth-most watched event in ESPN’s history since its inception in 1979.
During the first half of the championship, viewership peaked at 33.2 million, showcasing the game’s thrilling moments.
Overview of the 12-Team Format
In its second season utilizing the 12-team format, the College Football Playoff games averaged 16.3 million viewers. This indicates a growing interest in college football playoffs and their format.
As Indiana celebrates its historic win, the implications for future matchups and viewership in college football remain promising.
