Indiana vs. Ohio State Football Sets CBS Viewership Records

Early returns from the Big Ten's new media rights deal are overwhelmingly positive, as the first "Big Ten on CBS" game between Indiana and Ohio State was CBS' most-watched Week 1 game in 25 years, peaking at 5.711 million viewers.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – All eyes were on Indiana and Ohio State on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

The inaugural "Big Ten on CBS" game debuted with record viewership across multiple platforms, according to CBS Sports public relations.

Kicking off at 3:30 p.m. ET, the matchup became CBS' most-watched Week 1 game in 25 years. It averaged 4.646 million viewers, up 39 percent from last year's Week 1 CBS broadcast, which featured Arizona at San Diego State. 

At its peak, 5.711 million viewers watched the Hoosiers take on the Buckeyes.

The game also dominated viewership on streaming platforms. Paramount-plus recorded its most-streamed Week 1 game ever across households, streaming minutes and average minute audience. 

This stems from a media rights deal the Big Ten signed with CBS, Fox and NBC that began July 1, 2023 and runs through the 2029-30 season. It is believed to be the largest agreement in college athletics history, with an approximate value of $1.2 billion annually, according to CBS Sports.

Ohio State ultimately defeated Indiana 23-3, but dropped two spots to No. 5 in Tuesday's Associated Press Top-25 poll. The Buckeyes' quarterback Kyle McCord completed 20-of-33 passes for 239 yards, zero touchdowns and one interception. Running back Miyan Williams scored both of Ohio State's touchdowns, compiling 25 yards on seven carries. 

Indiana's defense performed well, especially given the 30.5-point spread oddsmakers set entering the game. The Hoosiers' transfer-heavy defense limited two of the nation's top wide receivers, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, to a combined five catches for 34 yards. 

Indiana hung tough with Ohio State for most of the game, trailing by just 10 points late in the third quarter, but the Hoosiers offense was unable to put together a touchdown drive as it rotated between redshirt freshmen quarterbacks Brendan Sorsby and Tayven Jackson.

Next up, Indiana hosts Indiana State on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET, and Ohio State hosts Youngstown State on Saturday at Noon ET. The Week 2 CBS national broadcast will feature a matchup between No. 2 Michigan and UNLV on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET at Michigan Stadium.

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