College football's television ratings continue their red-hot rise midway through the 2025 season, and once again, the SEC delivered on the nation's biggest stage. Through eight weeks, Nielson's data showed that college football has consistently pulled top national numbers, even over the against the NFL and MLB postseason. Now with Week 9 in the books, ABC and ESPN have widened their lead with three slots for the most-watched games. The leader was South Carolina's showdown against Alabama with 7.8 million viewers.
The game peaked at 10.3 million viewers, making it the most watched broadcast of the day across all sports.
Kickoff at 3:30 p.m. ET drew fans nationwide as the Gamecocks pushed Alabama to the brink before a late-game turnover sealed it for the Tide. The broadcast once again underscored South Carolina's national relevance under Shane Beamer. Despite the close losses, the Gamecocks continue to draw major national attention, proof that Beamer Ball moves the needle.
For ABC, it was another ratings win in a season that has been defined by SEC storylines and high-stakes drama. From Georgia's early dominance to South Carolina's near-upset of Alabama, the network continues to capitalize on compelling matchups and prime-time narratives that keep fans glued to the screen.
In addition, to Neilson ratings through Week 9, South Carolina also ranks among the Top 10 most watched teams in college football, coming in at No. 10 with 5.043 million total viewers. The Gamecocks join a powerhouse list dominated by the SEC, with Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia leading the way. It's another sign that South Carolina's national profile continues to climb under Shane Beamer. The program is competing on the field as well as commanding attention across the country.