Oregon’s narrow 32-31 victory over Ohio State on Big Ten Saturday Night drew a massive primetime audience, becoming the most-watched regular season Big Ten conference game in 16 years. Averaging 10.2 million viewers across NBC, Peacock, and NBC Sports Digital, the game peaked at 13.4 million viewers in the final minutes, from 10:45 to 11 p.m. ET, according to data from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics.
The game featured seven lead changes, with Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel throwing for 341 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. The Ducks sealed the win with a touchdown in the final two minutes. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard posted a strong performance as well, passing for 326 yards and two touchdowns, along with a rushing score.
This matchup between the then-No. 3 Oregon and No. 2 Ohio State marks the most-watched Big Ten regular season primetime game since 2008, when Penn State faced Ohio State on ABC, which garnered 10.4 million viewers. Following the game, Oregon moved up to No. 2 in the rankings, while Ohio State dropped to No. 4, with Penn State now sitting at No. 3.
The Big Ten continues its primetime run next week with Iowa taking on Michigan State, with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Official viewership numbers for the Ohio State-Oregon game will be available on Tuesday.
