Week 6 featured plenty of upsets as October got in full swing across the country. For ABC, it was another big week of TV ratings with its college football tripleheader as the network again led the charge this past weekend.
The biggest game of the week was in Tuscaloosa as Georgia and Alabama renewed their storied rivalry. It was a close one, but Kirby Smart got his first regular-season win over the Crimson Tide, and all eyes turned to Bryant-Denny Stadium for the matchup.
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Some other notable results highlighted the weekend, as well, as college football saw its TV ratings bounce back. Here are the Top 10 most-watched games of Week 6, according to Nielsen Big Data + Panel data.
Georgia vs. Alabama
Date/Time: Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ABC
Viewers: 12.24 million
ABC’s primetime game in Week 6 delivered in a big way. Georgia and Alabama went down to the wire at Bryant-Denny Stadium before the Bulldogs came away with the 20-17 victory in the most-watched game of the week – and the second most-watched of the season, per data compiled by On3.
Gunner Stockton went 18-for-22 for 249 yards and a touchdown, to one interception, while also adding a rushing touchdown to lead the charge. Georgia also jumped up to No. 1 in the AP Top 25 as a result of the win, coupled with Texas’ loss to Oklahoma.
Texas vs. Oklahoma (in Dallas)
Date/Time: Oct. 7, 3:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ABC
Viewers: 9.82 million
The Red River Rivalry provided great theatre in Week 6 as Oklahoma rallied to take down Texas. Tate Sandell sent the game-winning field goal through the uprights as time expired, sealing the Sooners’ victory over the Longhorns.
It marked Texas’ first loss of the season after a 4-0 start to the year. Oklahoma, meanwhile, got above .500 after two losses prior to the bye week while the defense contained Arch Manning and the Longhorns offense.
Indiana vs. Nebraska
Date/Time: Oct. 7, 12 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
Viewers: 6.73 million
Late in the second half, Nebraska had an upset on its mind against reigning national champion Indiana. The Hoosiers were able to complete the comeback, though, and defeat the Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium.
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After Nebraska went up 17-6, Indiana scored two straight touchdowns, including the game-winner on a 44-yard pass from Josh Hoover to Nick Marsh. That propelled IU to the victory and helped FOX’s Big Noon Saturday get one of the Top 10 most-watched games of the week.
Texas A&M vs. Missouri
Date/Time: Oct. 7, 12 p.m. ET
Channel: ABC
Viewers: 3.44 million
Texas A&M’s offense struggled again in Week 6 as the Aggies fell to Missouri in CoMo. Still, ABC’s early afternoon game was squarely in the Top 10 most-watched college football games of Week 6 as the network continues its TV ratings run.
Marcel Reed threw two interceptions in the matchup as Missouri’s defense held the Aggies to 216 total yards. On the Mizzou side, Jamal Roberts took 34 carries for 222 yards and two touchdowns to lead the way.
UCLA vs. Oregon
Date/Time: Oct. 7, 3:30 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Viewers: 3.13 million
Bob Chesney became the first coach in UCLA history to start his tenure 5-0 after the Bruins defeated Oregon on Saturday. CBS’ B1G Time game scored another TV ratings win as one of the 10 most-watched games of Week 6, as well.
Wayne Knight led the way once again with a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown which ultimately became the game-winner. UCLA will now get ready to welcome Wisconsin in primetime as part of the Week 7 slate.
USC vs. Penn State
Date/Time: Oct. 7, 7:30 p.m. ET
Channel: NBC
Viewers: 2.92 million
In Penn State’s annual White Out game, USC came to town looking for a second straight victory. The Trojans got just that, taking down the Nittany Lions 31-23 to improve to 6-1 on the season.
The White Out is one of college football’s best environments, and it brought strong TV ratings on NBC, as well. It was one of the 10 most-watched games of the week as the Trojans played in their third consecutive game on the network.
Florida State vs. Louisville
Date/Time: Oct. 9, 8 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Viewers: 2.66 million
Early on, it looked like Florida State had the makings of another key ACC victory as the Seminoles took on Louisville. But after a failed fourth-down conversion, the Cardinals took the reins and came away with the victory over the Seminoles in Week 6.
The matchup got ESPN’s Friday night college football primetime slot and delivered strong TV ratings for the network. It was a solid bounce back for Louisville while Florida State dropped to 3-3 heading into a key matchup against Miami.
LSU vs. Kentucky
Date/Time: Oct, 10, 7 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Viewers: 2.22 million
For the second straight week, Kentucky got an overtime victory against an SEC opponent. This time, it came against Lane Kiffin and LSU as Kenny Minchey scored the game-winning two-point conversion to set off the celebration in Lexington.
As a result, ESPN scored a TV ratings win in the primetime window with one of the 10 most-watched college football games of the week. UK is now 5-1 heading into an intriguing matchup against Oklahoma in Week 7.
Iowa vs. Washington
Date/Time: Oct. 9, 9 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
Viewers: 2.02 million
FOX continues to find TV ratings success with its Friday night college football primetime game. Iowa took full control early against Washington and didn’t look back in the eventual 41-24 victory in Seattle.
Jeremy Hecklinski was efficient, completing 14 of 19 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns. Kamari Moulton also anchored the rushing attack with a monster performance, taking 26 carries for 208 yards and two touchdowns.
North Carolina vs. Pitt
Date/Time: Oct. 10, 12 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Viewers: 1.88 million
Bill Belichick picked up his biggest win yet as North Carolina head coach in Week 6. The Tar Heels took down newly ranked Pitt in Pittsburgh in Week 6, and in the process, it rounded out the Top 10 most-watched games of the week.
Billy Edwards went 18-for-26 for 249 yards and two touchdowns, to two interceptions, as UNC avoided a third straight loss. One of those touchdowns went for 75 yards in the fourth quarter to put the Tar Heels out in front for good to pull off the upset.
Week 6 marked the unofficial halfway point of the 2026 college football season. As October continues to roll along, the stakes will get even higher as teams make their push for the College Football Playoff this year.