College Football vs NFL: States with a Predominant Preference
When it comes to football, particularly in the United States, the debate over which one reigns supreme – college football or the NFL – often sparks lively discussions. Understanding the preference for one over the other can vary greatly from state to state. This article delves into the preferences and comparisons based on various factors, ranging from the number of athletes, televised games, and revenue streams, to the cultural significance in certain regions.
Defining Bigger:
Participants and Games
Firstly, defining which football entity is 'bigger' involves looking at various metrics, such as the number of participants and televised games. In terms of participants, college football clearly takes the lead. While the top two NCAA divisions feature approximately 34,000 football players, the NFL has a mere 1,700 players. This makes college football significantly larger in terms of participants.
When it comes to televised games, the NCAA sets a remarkable precedent. On its opening weekend, there were 50 televised NCAA football games. In contrast, the NFL only features up to 16 games per weekend. Therefore, college football continues to outshine the NFL in terms of the number of televised games.
However, in terms of television revenue, the NFL clearly dominates. The 2022 NCAA television revenue for the Power Five conferences was $3.3 billion, while the NFL brought in over $10 billion in television revenue. Additionally, the most viewed NCAA game in Preseason (Week 0) was an FSU vs LSU game with approximately 9.7 million viewers. Regular season NFL games typically attract an average of 12 to 14 million viewers. Thus, while college football garners more games on TV, NFL football boasts more significant media attention and higher revenue streams.
In summary, NFL seems to have more fans and more media attention compared to NCAA football.
Deep South States
The Deep South: Every Deep South state, even those with pro teams, seems to exhibit a strong preference for college football. Some argue that states like Nebraska and Arkansas likely share similar sentiments. Others point out that Michigan could be the exception, with many residents and football fans showing a spontaneous preference over the weekend.
In Alabama, college football is undoubtedly cherished. The people there follow their Alabama Crimson Tide fanatically and prefer college football over the NFL. A similar trend can be observed in Mississippi and Arkansas, where college football resonates more among fans.
States like Nebraska, home to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the University of Oklahoma, have solid roots in college football. The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Oklahoma Sooners are deeply loved by their respective fan bases. In Oklahoma, Oklahoma State (OK State) is also a significant rival, showing the intense rivalry within the state.
Other States and Trends
Outside the SEC’s Influence: For states outside the SEC (Southeastern Conference), preferences might be more divided. Nebraska fans are highly dedicated to their team, and colleges like Oklahoma and Texas also hold significant cultural value in their states. These teams often rule over the football landscape in their respective states.
States with Split Loyalties: In some states, such as Florida, loyalties are more split. Although Ohio State University (The Buckeyes) is beloved in Ohio, the major cities of Cleveland and Cincinnati lean more towards the NFL. In Louisiana, the preference for LSU football outside of New Orleans and its surrounding areas is evident, though New Orleans itself has a passionate NFL fan base.
Conclusion: Overall, it is challenging to definitively state which states prefer college football over the NFL with confidence. In many cases, people supporting college teams also have an NFL team to follow, and the preference might not exist or be very distinct. The intensity and loyalty to college teams vary from state to state, particularly in states with long and storied basketball and football traditions.
While the NFL may command more media attention and revenue, college football remains a significant and cherished part of the football landscape, especially in certain regions. A preference for one over the other can often be determined by local culture, history, and the depth of a state's football roots.