Why is the SEC's TV viewership higher than the Big Ten's?

The SEC benefits from stronger brand depth, more compelling matchups, and a unified media deal with Disney, creating better promotion and audience flow.

How many top-rated college football games involve SEC teams?

SEC teams have played in nine of the top 10 highest-rated games this season, demonstrating significant viewer interest.

What impact does the SEC's media deal with Disney have on ratings?

The SEC's exclusive deal with Disney enhances game promotion and audience flow across ABC, ESPN, and the SEC Network, boosting viewership.

Home / Sports / SEC Dominates TV Ratings Over Big Ten

SEC Dominates TV Ratings Over Big Ten

4 Dec, 2025

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Summary

SEC games have nine of top 10 highest TV ratings.
Big Ten has only three conference games in top ratings.
SEC's single-network deal with Disney boosts promotion.

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) is commanding superior television viewership in college football compared to the Big Ten Conference. This season, SEC games dominate the ratings, securing nine of the top 10 most-watched matchups, whereas the Big Ten has only three conference games appearing on this list. This trend highlights a significant advantage for the SEC in attracting viewers.

Several factors contribute to the SEC's television dominance. The conference boasts greater brand depth with more highly ranked teams and established rivalries. Its exclusive partnership with Disney (ABC, ESPN, SEC Network) facilitates unified promotion and a cohesive viewing strategy, creating better audience flow between games. In contrast, the Big Ten's fragmentation across Fox, CBS, and NBC, along with challenges in scheduling and streaming exclusivity, has hindered its national narrative.