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Nielsen reveals most-watched college football teams to start 2026 season

Nielsen’s latest ratings reveal the early powerhouses of the 2026 college football season, with Texas leading all teams in viewership through Week 5 at 9.038 million. The Longhorns’ dominance—backed by a strong start and playoff aspirations—solidifies their position atop the rankings, while LSU (7.623 million) and Wisconsin (7.421 million) follow closely.

Ohio State (6.720 million) and Ole Miss (6.235 million) round out the top five, with blueblood programs like Michigan, Kentucky, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama completing the top 10. Kentucky, in particular, has defied expectations under first-year head coach Will Stein, boasting a 4-1 record and a high-profile matchup against LSU this weekend.

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