The College Football Playoff national championship TV ratings plummeted this year, sparking debate among fans about the cause. Many believe it was due to Donald Trump’s inauguration speech airing during halftime of Ohio State vs. Notre Dame. But was that really the case?
The revelation shocked fans, given that the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish are two of the biggest names in college football. Ohio State reportedly has the largest following in the sport, and Notre Dame hadn’t played for a national title since 2013. With a compelling storyline behind the matchup, expectations for strong viewership were high—but the numbers told a different story.
Donald Trump Blamed for Decline in National Championship TV Ratings
The national championship game took a major hit in viewership this year, averaging fewer than 22 million viewers—three million less than last year’s Michigan vs. Washington matchup. The only notable difference this year? Donald Trump’s inauguration speech aired during halftime.
ESPN cut away from its standard halftime coverage to broadcast a message from President Trump. He delivered a lengthy speech reflecting on his first day in office before addressing the game itself.
“To all of the players and fans watching tonight, I know it’s been a long and difficult journey. It’s been a long season, but you have two tremendous teams, and get to the game and go out and fight hard and fight fair and let the better team win, and I’m going to enjoy watching it. Thank you and good night,” Trump said.
ESPN played a video message from President Donald Trump during halftime of the CFP National Championship Game. pic.twitter.com/mWpQjjH9Ko
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 21, 2025
Many fans blamed the president for the drop in viewership, while others pointed to the scheduling of the title game on a Monday night. However, that explanation seems unlikely, as the championship has been played on a Monday for the past 20 years.
For now, the debate continues.
ESPN Defends Decision to Air Trump’s Speech
The backlash intensified online, particularly after ESPN aired the pre-recorded message during halftime of Ohio State vs. Notre Dame. The controversy grew so large that ESPN was compelled to release a statement defending its decision.
“With Donald Trump’s Inauguration occurring on the day of the CFP National Championship, it makes sense to include a message from the President, a practice that occurs regularly during major sporting events – including earlier this month from President Biden before the Sugar Bowl,” an ESPN spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports.
ESPN statement on President Trump’s address during halftime:
“With Donald Trump’s Inauguration occurring on the day of the CFP National Championship, it makes sense to include a message from the President, a practice that occurs regularly during major sporting events – including… https://t.co/kYu1wQm4SW
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 21, 2025
The spokesperson referenced a similar instance earlier this month when a message from former President Joe Biden aired before the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2. That decision came in response to the tragic New Year’s Day mass shooting in New Orleans, which left 14 dead and 30 injured.
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Trump previously attended the national championship game in Atlanta in 2018 during his first term as president. At the time, his presence was not considered controversial. Now, however, many fans are pointing to his speech as the key factor behind this season’s championship viewership decline.
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