Overview
- ESPN reported 18.0 million viewers for Indiana–Oregon in the Peach Bowl (peak 21.4 million) and 15.8 million for Miami–Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl (peak 17.2 million).
- Independent tallies show the semifinal pair averaged 16.8 million viewers across ESPN platforms, down 13% year over year and the lowest semifinals on record for the CFP.
- Each semifinal declined versus last year’s comparable windows, with the Peach Bowl off 13–16% and the Fiesta Bowl down about 11%.
- Analysts cite the absence of blueblood programs and the semifinals’ move off traditional New Year’s slots as likely drags on audience levels.
- Quarterfinals had lifted momentum with double‑digit gains and marquee audiences, and the bracket now advances to Indiana vs. Miami for the title on Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium.