Colorado Buffaloes' Surprising Viewership Ratings Through First 5 Weeks

The Colorado Buffaloes and coach Deion Sanders are 2-3 to start the season, still without a Big 12 conference win. Updated college football TV viewership ratings reveal where the interest level in watching the Colorado Buffaloes stands.

Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Colorado Buffaloes are off to a 2-3 start to the season, going 0-2 in Big 12 conference play. Despite the slow start, Colorado has been in some close games, even leading the No. 23 BYU Cougars through the first half of week 5.

While the Buffaloes’ season may not be starting how Colorado coach Deion Sanders would have wanted, fans are still tuning in each week to watch the program compete.

Colorado Viewership Through Five Weeks

Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders during the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

1. Oregon Ducks (5-0) - 13.84 Million
2. Colorado Buffaloes (2-3) - 13.09 Million
3. USC Trojans (4-1) - 8.22 Million
4. Washington Huskies (3-1) - 7.42 Million
5. Utah Utes (4-1) - 7.08 Million

The Colorado Buffaloes are among the top-watched teams in the nation despite the 2-3 start. Per SuperWest Sports on X, Colorado’s reported total TV Viewers through week five is 13.09 million. The Buffaloes stand as the No. 2 most-watched team, only behind the No. 2-ranked Oregon Ducks.

Colorado Buffaloes TV Channel

Nov 11, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Another aspect that makes Colorado’s viewership stand out is the difference in the quantity of views compared the the No. 3 most-watched team, the USC Trojans. Colorado has 4.87 million more viewers than USC, a significant difference between the No. 2 and No. 3 spots, especially with a worse record.

Through the first five weeks, all of Colorado’s games have been on a major broadcasting channel. Four games have been on ESPN, while one has been on FOX. Two games have taken place on a Friday, giving the Buffaloes less competition for viewership, and two have been 8:15 p.m. MT kickoffs. 8:15 p.m. MT kick-offs are one of the later start times, also giving Colorado fewer games to compete with.

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The Deion Sanders Affect

Sep 6, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

A large part of having the opportunity to play primetime games on channels such as ESPN and FOX is due to Sanders being the head coach of the program. When Sanders took over the Colorado football program in 2023, there was excitement and anticipation to see what he could do.

Even though the Colorado Buffaloes lost several players to the NFL, including quarterback Shedeur Sanders and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, Sanders is still there coaching the program, and people want to see what he can do with a new-look team.

One of the biggest storylines for Colorado this season is the quarterback position. Sanders is no longer coaching his son, and many are tuning in to see if the Buffaloes can keep up the success.

Quarterback Kaidon Salter was named the week 1 starter, but was switched to Ryan Staub in week 3. Salter returned as the starter in week 4, and how he bounced back from the change was something to watch for.

Colorado In Close Games

Sep 20, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) before the game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

While the Buffaloes only have two wins, they have been in close matchups. The only loss that was not within one score was against the Houston Cougars in week 3. Against the No. 17 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the No. 23 BYU Cougars, Colorado had a chance to win the game, or at least tie it, in the fourth quarter.

While the Buffaloes have to find a way to win more games moving forward, Colorado has been playing entertaining games, causing a rise in viewership.

The Colorado Buffaloes will next face the TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 5:30 p.m. PT.