Caitlin Clark Gave 'College GameDay' Massive TV Ratings Boost

Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images&period;

Caitlin Clark Gave 'College GameDay' Massive TV Ratings Boost

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Oct 6, 2026 7:07 PM ET

Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark made an appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay” last Saturday to preview a showdown between Ohio State and Iowa. Unsurprisingly, her presence helped out ESPN’s ratings.

ESPN announced Tuesday that its Week 5 episode of “College GameDay” averaged 2.9 million viewers, making it the most-watched episode this season and the most-watched October episode in the program’s history. Additionally, the network revealed that its viewership this season is up 6% from its 2025 average.

While an average audience of 2.9 million is awfully impressive, that doesn’t compare to the show’s peak audience.

It turns out 3.7 million viewers watched the final four of “College GameDay” last Saturday. Clearly, fans wanted to see Clark as the celebrity guest picker in Iowa.

Oct 1, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks outward during the fourth quarter of game three of the first round for the 2026 WNBA Playoffs against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn ImagesLucas Peltier-Imagn Images.

Did Caitlin Clark prove herself as a college football analyst?

Clark promised viewers she was going to go 10-0 with her picks this past Saturday, but she learned that it’s not easy predicting college football games.

The All-Star guard for the Fever made a few inaccurate predictions, including Iowa over Ohio State and Mississippi State over Alabama. She ultimately went 5-5 on her Week 5 picks.

While her record wasn’t great, Clark certainly proved she moves the needle even when she’s not on the hardwood.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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