Notre Dame’s iconic status in college football is undeniable, but here’s the shocking truth: their TV ratings no longer match their legendary reputation. This week, sports commentator Paul Finebaum ignited a firestorm by posing a question that would have been unthinkable a decade ago: “Does anybody still watch Notre Dame games?” His bold assertion—that the Fighting Irish are no longer the powerhouse draw they once were—has sparked a heated debate. But is he right? Let’s dive into the numbers and the controversy.
Finebaum didn’t hold back on ESPN’s First Take, arguing that Notre Dame’s brand, while still revered, pales in comparison to the SEC or even the Big Ten. “They think they’re untouchable,” he said, “but the data tells a different story.” And the data is eye-opening. Despite being the only independent school with a national TV deal—raking in an estimated $50 million annually from NBC Sports—Notre Dame’s viewership numbers tell a tale of decline. Their rich traditions, from the iconic gold helmets to the legendary Touchdown Jesus mural, haven’t been enough to keep them at the top of the ratings game.
But here’s where it gets controversial: As Notre Dame wages a public battle against the College Football Playoff committee for snubbing them this year, their media appeal appears increasingly out of sync with their self-perceived importance. While they carry themselves like a must-watch TV event, the reality is far less glamorous. In fact, Notre Dame’s viewership numbers place them squarely in the middle of the pack—more Indianapolis Colts than Dallas Cowboys, as one analyst put it.
Consider these startling facts:
- Despite a 10–2 record this season, Notre Dame failed to crack the Top 10 most-watched college football teams, according to Nielsen. Their average viewership of 3.925 million landed them at No. 15, behind teams like Florida, Ole Miss, and even South Carolina.
- The SEC dominated the ratings, with Alabama leading the pack at 8.493 million viewers per game—more than double Notre Dame’s average. SEC teams occupied 4 of the Top 5 spots and 8 of the Top 10.
- Notre Dame appeared in just one of the Top 20 most-watched games this year, a season opener against Miami that drew 10.8 million viewers. Ironically, that very loss to the Hurricanes was cited as the reason they were excluded from the playoffs. Even their rivalry win over USC in October failed to impress, averaging just 2.998 million viewers—far below SEC matchups like Mississippi–Georgia (6.046 million).
And this is the part most people miss: While Notre Dame’s 2020 national championship game against Ohio State drew a massive 22.1 million viewers, it was still the third-lowest audience for a CFP title game. Even their magical 14–2 season couldn’t reverse the trend of declining interest.
Of course, TV ratings aren’t everything. Notre Dame’s slow start this season and external factors like the timing of their championship game (which coincided with President Trump’s inauguration) likely impacted viewership. Financially, they remain a juggernaut, valued at $1.85 billion—fourth only behind Texas, Georgia, and Ohio State. But in the court of public opinion, their standing is slipping.
The 11-time national champions haven’t won a title since 1988, and their thirst for another is palpable. Yet, their recent outcry over the playoff snub has only alienated them further. Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua’s media tour, where he accused the CFP committee of “stealing” a spot from his team, has drawn sharp criticism. Even longtime supporters like ESPN’s Mike Greenberg have turned against him, calling his claims of a historically dominant season “eye-rolling.”
Here’s the real question: Is Notre Dame’s decline a temporary setback, or are they becoming a relic of college football’s past? The SEC and Big Ten have undeniably surpassed them in viewership, and their independence—once a point of pride—now feels like a liability. As Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark bluntly stated, Bevacqua’s reaction to the snub was “egregious” and “out of bounds.” Even Dick Vitale’s defense of Notre Dame as the “greatest name in college football” feels like a nostalgic echo rather than a current reality.
From a business perspective, ESPN—which pays billions to broadcast the CFP, ACC, and SEC—has little incentive to sympathize with Notre Dame. Their ACC Network even replayed Miami’s win over the Irish on a loop leading up to Selection Sunday. As Stephen A. Smith put it, Bevacqua’s outbursts are “embarrassing” and do little to help his cause.
So, where does this leave Notre Dame? Are they still a titan of college football, or just a brand trading on past glory? The numbers suggest the latter, but the debate rages on. What do you think? Is Notre Dame’s decline irreversible, or can they reclaim their throne? Let us know in the comments!
