• Booger McFarland says he’s seen Ohio State play only once this season — the game against Texas.
• McFarland anchors ABC’s college football studio shows with Kevin Negandhi and also appears on ESPN’s CFP rankings show.
• He votes for the Heisman Trophy and has repeatedly questioned Ohio State’s No. 1 standing this year.
McFarland’s candid admission on studio coverage
ESPN analyst Booger McFarland told ABC studio viewers that he’s watched Ohio State only one time this season. “I’ve only seen them play one game and that was against Texas,” McFarland said during ABC’s college football studio coverage.
McFarland’s comments drew attention because he appears on ESPN’s weekly College Football Playoff rankings show and votes for the Heisman Trophy — roles that typically require broad viewing of the nation’s top teams.
Why McFarland hasn’t watched more games
McFarland and Kevin Negandhi anchor ABC’s college football studio wraps rather than calling live games each week. The pair’s studio responsibilities — combined with ESPN not holding Big Ten broadcast rights this season — factor into why McFarland said he hasn’t watched Ohio State more often live on his network.
The analyst made the remark in the context of arguing that there’s no clearly dominant team this year. He noted that, without a runaway favorite, other programs like Texas Tech could realistically compete for a national title.
Role on CFP rankings and public scrutiny
Because McFarland votes in the Heisman balloting and sits on ESPN’s College Football Playoff rankings show, some viewers questioned whether seeing a single Ohio State game is enough to weigh in on the Buckeyes’ national standing. McFarland has previously suggested other teams — including Indiana and Texas A&M at various points in the season — merited higher consideration.
The comments came before Indiana’s unexpected win in the Big Ten Championship Game, a result that shifted conversations around the CFP picture and Ohio State’s place among title contenders.
What this means for viewers and rankings
McFarland’s admission underlines a broader media reality: studio analysts balance many duties across networks and platforms, which can limit live viewing of every contender. Still, viewers expect informed commentary from analysts who participate in weekly ranking shows and award voting.
McFarland’s on-air transparency sparked debate about the expectations placed on national pundits. Some fans welcomed his frankness, while others questioned how much firsthand viewing is necessary to judge top teams.
Booger McFarland’s straightforward answer — that he’s seen Ohio State only once this season — is notable for an analyst who appears regularly in CFP discussions and votes on marquee awards. The remark highlights tensions between studio roles, broadcast rights, and fan expectations about expert analysis during a chaotic college football season.
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