Ohio State and Texas are poised for a monumental showdown in Week 2, as both top-5 teams look to make their mark with potential playoff implications. This high-stakes matchup promises to be an exhilarating display of talent and offense, possibly challenging the all-time viewership record for a regular-season game.

Both teams started their seasons with impressive victories, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter. The 2024 Nielsen study highlights that Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee are the most-watched teams in college football. Given that this matchup features two of the biggest draws, it has the potential to approach or even surpass the legendary viewership record set in 1993 when Notre Dame faced Florida State, attracting approximately 22 million viewers.

Last season, the Buckeyes and Longhorns' opener garnered 16.62 million viewers, marking the most-watched Week 1 game in history. The highest viewership overall last season was 30.1 million for the national championship game between Indiana and Miami.

Nielsen Ratings Breakdown

• Viewership is calculated for ages 2 and older.
• Ratings include streaming, same-day DVR, and out-of-home viewing.

Projected Most-Watched Regular-Season Games of 2025

1. Ohio State vs. Michigan - 18.4 million
2. Texas vs. Ohio State - 16.6 million
3. Texas A&M vs. Texas - 13 million

With Texas being a strong draw in the South as an SEC member and Columbus, Ohio, consistently ranking high in viewership, this matchup is likely to capture significant attention. The game stands out as one of only two featuring ranked teams in Week 2, enhancing its visibility.

High expectations surround both programs, with Ohio State coming off an unbeaten regular season and Texas bolstering its roster with new talent. Texas coach Steve Sarkisian anticipates a massive audience, stating, "I bet there's close to 20 million people that watch this game. That's pretty cool when you think about it." This clash not only signifies a pivotal moment for both teams but also a potential record-setting event in college football history.