Alabama-Ohio State sets ratings low in CFP era

The 2021 College Football Playoff national championship game drew a record-low audience in the CFP era. The contest averaged 18.65 million viewers, per Rick Porter of the Hollywood Reporter, marking a drop of 7 million - or 27% - after last year’s title game drew 25.46 million.

The previous six championship games dating back to 2015 drew an average of 27.6 million viewers, notes Porter. The previous low came in 2019 when 25.28 million spectators tuned in for a title clash between Clemson and Alabama.

Monday’s matchup also failed to draw a bigger audience than the two semifinal games on New Year’s Day. The Rose Bowl between Alabama and Notre Dame and the Sugar Bowl pitting Clemson against Ohio State combined to average 18.8 million viewers.

Alabama defeated Ohio State 52-24 in the championship tilt to capture its sixth national title in the last 12 years.