{"id":453319,"date":"2026-10-01T16:18:17","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T16:18:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/453319\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T16:18:17","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T16:18:17","slug":"texas-just-did-something-that-hasnt-been-done-on-espn-in-over-a-decade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/453319\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Just Did Something That Hasn’t Been Done on ESPN in Over A Decade"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Texas Longhorns are the biggest brand in college athletics, and whether fans love them or hate them<\/a>, people tune in to keep tabs on how the program is performing. <\/p>\n

That trend has continued into the season, and the Longhorns are 4-0 on the year<\/a>, holding the No. 1 ranking in the country after securing the best win so far this season. <\/p>\n

That reflects onto TV ratings, where the Longhorns massive game<\/a> against the Tennessee Volunteers was the most watched game of the week four slate, and was the most watched noon game on ESPN in over a decade. <\/p>\n

Love Them or Hate Them, You Watch\"Game<\/p>\n

General view of the pregame ceremony before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

The Longhorns were the story of the weekend, after just barely surviving on the road for their first road test of the season against the Volunteers. It was a top-15 showdown that also featured the Longhorns’ first trip to Neyland Stadium in program history.<\/p>\n

With all the storylines surrounding the contest, and the fact that there was a mid-game celebration that took social media by storm, it was no secret that eyeballs would be tuning in to the contest on ABC.<\/p>\n

The final numbers came in at an average audience of 9.7 million viewers, peaking at 12.9 million. That was the most-viewed game of the weekend, beating out the Ole Miss vs. Florida matchup that followed the Longhorns’ win over the Volunteers, and it marked the most-watched noon game on ESPN in over a decade.<\/p>\n

The Longhorns now hold two of the top three viewership numbers four weeks into the season, as they also hold the No. 1 spot after their thrilling comeback win over the Ohio State Buckeyes had an average of 13.99 million viewers.<\/p>\n

\"Texas<\/p>\n

Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a college football game between Tennessee and Texas at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sept. 26, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

The Longhorns, Ole Miss, and Alabama now hold two of the top 10 most-viewed games this season, with the LSU Tigers holding the top spot after claiming three of the top-10 viewership games, including the matchup against the Rebels.<\/p>\n

There is certainly no doubt that the Longhorns will continue finding a way into the top-10 as the Red River Showdown against the Oklahoma Sooners is just over a week away, and they still have a meeting against the Tigers, Rebels, and the Florida Gators as well this season. <\/p>\n

While many people might have disdain for the Longhorns and the success they have, one thing is certain: fans can’t keep their eyes off of them.<\/p>\n

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