TLDR: Michigan Wolverines’ unexpected triumph over Ohio State in what’s commonly known as ‘The Game’ was witnessed by one of the year’s largest television audiences, specifically 12,323,000 viewers on FOX Sports. This substantial viewership makes it the most-watched Big Ten game of 2024 and second for the entire college football season, only surpassed by the Georgia vs. Texas showdown. FOX’s broadcast choices reflect Michigan’s popularity, securing top pick with this game. Despite the impressive numbers, they’re lower than last year’s epic, when U-M and Ohio State were both undefeated, drawing over 19 million viewers—the largest since 2011. Michigan’s recent success has consistently pulled in large audiences, affirming its status as a major player in college sports.

Michigan once again captivated a national audience by pulling off a remarkable victory over Ohio State at the historic venue, The Horseshoe, this past Saturday. The game drew in 12,323,000 viewers, earning it the title of the most attended Big Ten showdown aired in 2024, and it was crowned the second most-watched college football game this season nationwide. Only the Georgia versus Texas spectacle in Week 8 managed to outperform it in terms of viewership, reaching a peak of 13.19 million viewers.

The Wolverines are no strangers to the limelight, often featured in top-tier college football broadcasts. FOX Sports, which gave supplemental importance to this classic rivalry while deciding on their 2024 Big Ten broadcasts, undoubtedly benefitted from their choice. According to FOX executive Michael Mulvihill, the matches between Michigan and rivals like Ohio State, and this season’s face-off against Texas, were top priorities.

Joel Klatt, a frequently featured analyst on FOX, accredited Michigan-Ohio State games for their consistent top ratings during his time on The Joel Klatt Show. Mulvihill labeled these iconic encounters as an “obvious first selection” when broadcasting opportunities arise, emphasizing the historic significance and broad appeal that follows this longstanding rivalry.

However, the viewer count, while impressive, marks a reduction from the previous year’s broadcast when Michigan and Ohio State entered the game undefeated. The 2023 edition drew 19,065,000 viewers, carving its place as the most-watched regular season college football game across all networks since 2011. That broadcast also remained a FOX Sports’ record-breaking event. Despite the fall in numbers, this year’s game continued to capture substantial audiences, demonstrating the sustained interest Michigan commands in college football.

Historical data underlines the escalated spectatorship The Game garners, establishing a pattern over recent years. Michigan’s victories in 2021 and 2022, where the team’s fate in the Big Ten East and potential College Football Playoff participation were at stake, drew crowds of 15,893,000 and 17,140,000 respectively. These figures underscore the profound intensity and competitive spirit that defines every Michigan-Ohio State clash, leaving fans nationwide eager for more.