Amid a surge in TV ratings through the quarterfinal round, ESPN looked to keep the momentum going in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Viewership was strong through the first two weekends of the CFP.

After a weeklong pause, college football fans finally got another piece of action on Thursday, and it was well worth the wait. In the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl, the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes delivered a thrilling performance against the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels.

Everyone who watches sports has strong opinions about the broadcast, especially in college football, where the networks can play a role in things such as the expansion of conferences or the promotion of certain leagues.

The day after Christmas will bring the gift of college football’s 2025-26 bowl season resuming with three games Friday, Dec. 26. Starting at 1 p.m. ET, Central Michigan will play Northwestern in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. New Mexico and Minnesota will kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET in the Rate Bowl.

Throughout the fall and into winter, football was the big draw. The NFL and college football both saw TV ratings rise during their respective regular seasons. College football’s viewership increased 2% during the regular season while comparing Nielsen Big Data + Panel data to last year.

The college football season is winding down, with just one game remaining before the national championship. On Friday, January 9, the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers will face the No. 5 Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta,