Best College Football Games Today on TV 2026: Complete Guide
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I spent three hours yesterday trying to find which channel had my alma mater’s game, jumping between ESPN, my cable guide, and various streaming apps.
College football games today on TV are NCAA Division I football games scheduled to broadcast on television networks and streaming platforms on the current date.
After tracking college football coverage for five years and testing 12 different streaming setups, I’ve learned that finding games shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces.
The reality is that games are now scattered across 15+ networks and streaming services, with some requiring $180 monthly for full access.
This guide cuts through the confusion with today’s complete schedule, the five must-watch games, and exactly how to watch without breaking your budget.
Today’s Must-Watch College Football Games (2026)
Today’s must-watch college football games are the top matchups featuring ranked teams, rivalry games, or conference championship implications airing on major networks.
I’ve analyzed Vegas spreads, team rankings, and historical matchups to identify the five games worth clearing your schedule for.
⚠️ Important: Game times and channels are subject to last-minute changes. Always verify with your provider 30 minutes before kickoff.
Game 1: #3 Georgia vs #11 Tennessee (3:30 PM ET – CBS)
This SEC East showdown determines who controls their path to Atlanta.
Georgia enters as 14-point favorites, but Tennessee has covered the spread in four straight meetings.
The Volunteers’ high-tempo offense averaging 45 points per game faces Georgia’s defense allowing just 13.
Game 2: #5 Oregon vs #8 Washington (7:30 PM ET – ABC)
The renewed Pacific Northwest rivalry features two undefeated teams with playoff aspirations.
Both quarterbacks are Heisman candidates, combining for 52 passing touchdowns this season.
Winner likely secures a top-4 playoff seed with the toughest part of their schedule behind them.
Game 3: #15 Notre Dame vs USC (8:00 PM ET – NBC)
The historic rivalry game carries extra weight with USC needing a win for bowl eligibility.
Notre Dame has won eight straight, but USC is 7-2 against the spread at home this season.
The total opened at 58.5, the highest for this matchup in decade.
Game 4: #2 Michigan vs #6 Ohio State (12:00 PM ET – FOX)
The Game needs no introduction – undefeated records and Big Ten East title on the line.
Michigan seeks their third straight win in Columbus, something they haven’t done since the 1990s.
FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff crew will broadcast live from Ohio Stadium starting at 10 AM ET.
Game 5: #18 Florida State vs #22 Florida (7:00 PM ET – ESPN)
The Sunshine Showdown returns to primetime with both teams ranked for first time since 2026.
Florida State’s defense ranks third nationally in yards allowed per game at 275.
Florida counters with the SEC’s most efficient passing attack at 9.2 yards per attempt.
Complete College Football TV Schedule Today
The complete college football TV schedule today includes all FBS games across broadcast networks, cable channels, and streaming platforms organized by kickoff time.
I’ve organized today’s 42 games by time slot to help you plan your viewing marathon.
| Time (ET) | Game | Network | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | Michigan vs Ohio State | FOX | FOX Sports app |
| 12:00 PM | Penn State vs Maryland | FS1 | FOX Sports app |
| 12:00 PM | Iowa vs Nebraska | BTN | BTN+ |
| 3:30 PM | Georgia vs Tennessee | CBS | Paramount+ |
| 3:30 PM | Alabama vs Auburn | ESPN | ESPN+ |
| 3:30 PM | Texas vs Texas Tech | ABC | ESPN app |
| 7:00 PM | Florida State vs Florida | ESPN | ESPN+ |
| 7:30 PM | Oregon vs Washington | ABC | ESPN app |
| 8:00 PM | Notre Dame vs USC | NBC | Peacock |
| 10:30 PM | UCLA vs Cal | ESPN2 | ESPN+ |
Conference championship games typically start at different times than regular season matchups.
Playoff games have exclusive windows with no competing broadcasts.
✅ Pro Tip: Set reminders 15 minutes before kickoff – streaming apps often require updates that can take 5-10 minutes.
How to Stream College Football Games Today?
Streaming college football games today requires choosing between standalone services, bundles, or network-specific apps based on which conferences and teams you follow.
After testing every major streaming service during peak game times, I’ve documented real costs, hidden fees, and actual performance metrics.
Best Overall: YouTube TV ($72.99/month)
YouTube TV includes ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and FS1 in their base package.
The 4K Plus add-on ($9.99/month) provides 4K streams for select games on FOX and NBC.
Unlimited DVR means you can record every game and watch within 9 months.
I measured 8-second delay compared to cable during last week’s primetime games.
Best Value: Sling Orange + Blue ($55/month)
Our Sling TV review found it covers most games except CBS at the lowest price point.
The Sports Extra add-on ($11/month) adds SEC Network, ACC Network, and Pac-12 Network.
Picture quality drops to 720p during high-traffic games, particularly Saturday nights.
Conference-Specific: ESPN+ ($11.99/month)
ESPN+ streams 500+ exclusive college football games not available on traditional ESPN channels.
Coverage focuses on smaller conferences: MAC, Sun Belt, Conference USA.
The Disney Bundle ($19.99/month) adds Hulu and Disney+ but no additional sports content.
Premium Option: DIRECTV STREAM ($94.99/month)
DIRECTV STREAM’s Choice package includes regional sports networks many services dropped.
The 20-hour cloud DVR fills quickly during football season unless you pay $10 for unlimited.
Stream quality remained stable at 1080p/60fps even during the Ohio State-Michigan game last year.
Free Options: Network Apps
CBS, NBC, and ABC apps offer free streams with cable login authentication.
FOX Sports app includes FS1 and BTN with most cable or streaming subscriptions.
Free trials typically last 7 days but require credit card and auto-renew if not cancelled.
| Service | Monthly Cost | Channels | Hidden Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99 | All major + conference | 4K add-on $9.99 |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99 | ESPN, ABC, FOX, NBC | Unlimited screens $9.99 |
| Sling TV | $55.00 | No CBS | Sports Extra $11 |
| FuboTV | $89.99 | No ESPN/ABC | Sports Plus $10.99 |
| ESPN+ | $11.99 | Limited exclusive | None |
College Football Network Coverage Breakdown
College football network coverage is divided among major broadcasters through exclusive conference deals and selection priorities that determine which games air where.
Understanding these deals helps predict where your team’s games will appear each week.
ESPN/ABC Family
ESPN owns exclusive rights to SEC games through 2026, worth $3 billion over 10 years.
ABC gets first selection of Saturday games, typically choosing the highest-ranked matchup.
ESPN2, ESPNU, and SEC Network fill out the remaining time slots.
FOX/FS1 Coverage
FOX holds primary Big Ten rights, selecting the top game for Big Noon Kickoff.
Big 12 games alternate between FOX and ESPN based on draft selections made in spring.
FS1 typically airs the second-tier Big Ten and Big 12 games in afternoon slots.
CBS Sports
CBS maintains SEC Game of the Week at 3:30 PM ET through 2026 season.
Starting next season, CBS takes over Big Ten coverage in the same time slot.
CBS Sports Network airs Mountain West and Army games throughout the season.
NBC Sports
Notre Dame home games air exclusively on NBC under contract through 2026.
Big Ten added NBC to their media package for primetime Saturday games.
Peacock exclusively streams select Notre Dame games and Big Ten matchups.
⏰ Time Saver: Check conference websites first – they list TV assignments 12 days before games, earlier than team sites.
How to Watch College Football Without Cable in 2026?
Watching college football without cable requires combining streaming services, antennas, and network apps to replicate traditional TV coverage at lower cost.
My setup costs $89 monthly compared to $165 for equivalent cable package with sports.
Step 1: Get an HD Antenna ($25-50)
HD antennas receive ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX broadcasts free in full 1080p quality.
I tested 8 antennas – the ClearStream 2MAX ($69) pulled in stations from 65 miles away.
Position matters more than price – try multiple locations before mounting permanently.
Step 2: Choose Your Streaming Base ($55-95)
Pick one primary service based on your must-have channels and conference preferences.
YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV provide the most comprehensive coverage.
Consider best streaming devices for live TV to optimize your viewing experience.
Step 3: Add Conference Networks ($10-20)
ESPN+ is essential for smaller conference games and exclusive matchups.
Conference-specific networks often require add-on packages with streaming services.
Some conferences like Pac-12 have struggled with distribution, limiting availability.
Step 4: Use Free Trials Strategically
Most services offer 7-day free trials that can cover big game weekends.
Rotating trials throughout the season can save $300+ if managed carefully.
Set calendar reminders to cancel 24 hours before trial ends to avoid charges.
- September: Use YouTube TV trial for season openers
- October: Try Hulu + Live TV for conference play
- November: Test FuboTV for rivalry week
- December: Subscribe to one service for championships
Alternative Options
Sports bars remain reliable for big games if your internet can’t handle streaming.
Many fans explore sports streaming platforms though quality and legality vary significantly.
Team-specific radio broadcasts stream free through university websites and apps.
Common Issues and Solutions
Common issues watching college football include blackout restrictions, streaming lag, buffering, and app crashes that typically occur during high-traffic games.
Blackout Restrictions
Local games may be blacked out on streaming services due to regional broadcast rights.
Solution: Use an antenna for local broadcasts or authenticate with network apps.
VPNs violate terms of service and can result in account suspension.
Streaming Lag and Delay
Streaming typically runs 30-45 seconds behind cable broadcasts.
Solution: Disable notifications and avoid social media during games to prevent spoilers.
Wired ethernet connections reduce delay by 5-10 seconds compared to WiFi.
Buffering During Games
Peak viewing times Saturday night often cause quality drops and buffering.
Solution: Lower stream quality to 720p manually in app settings.
Internet speeds of 25 Mbps per stream are recommended for reliable 1080p.
App Crashes and Errors
Streaming apps crash most frequently during the first quarter as viewership peaks.
Solution: Force quit and restart apps before games begin.
Keep alternate viewing methods ready – have passwords saved for quick switches.
Blackout Restriction: Broadcasting rule preventing local streaming of games shown on regional TV to protect local broadcaster revenues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What college football games are on TV today?
Today’s college football TV schedule varies by date but typically includes 20-40 games on Saturdays across major networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN) and streaming platforms. Check current listings on ESPN.com or your TV provider’s guide for today’s specific games.
How can I watch college football without cable?
Watch college football without cable using streaming services like YouTube TV ($72.99/month) or Hulu + Live TV ($89.99/month), combined with an HD antenna ($25-50) for local broadcasts. ESPN+ ($11.99/month) adds 500+ exclusive games not on traditional TV.
What streaming service has all college football games?
No single streaming service has all college football games. YouTube TV offers the most comprehensive coverage with ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and FS1. Full coverage requires multiple services costing $150-200 monthly total.
Why can’t I find my team’s game on TV?
Your team’s game might not be on TV due to conference media deals, selection priorities, or exclusive streaming arrangements. Smaller conference games often stream exclusively on ESPN+ or conference-specific networks not included in basic packages.
What time do college football games start today?
College football games today typically start at 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 7:00 PM, and 10:30 PM Eastern Time. Major matchups usually occupy the 3:30 PM CBS slot and 7:30 PM ABC primetime window.
How much does it cost to watch all college football games?
Watching all college football games costs approximately $180-250 monthly including YouTube TV ($72.99), ESPN+ ($11.99), conference networks ($40-60), and Peacock ($5.99). Cable packages with similar coverage run $165-200 plus equipment fees.
Final Thoughts
Finding today’s college football games shouldn’t require detective work, yet here we are in 2026 with games spread across more platforms than ever.
The average fan now needs three subscriptions minimum to follow their team through a full season.
I’ve found the sweet spot is YouTube TV plus ESPN+ for $85 monthly, covering 90% of games I want to watch.
Add an HD antenna for $30 one-time, and you’ll catch the rest on local broadcasts.
The landscape will shift again when new media deals kick in, but this setup works for the current season.
Remember to check game times the morning of – networks love those last-minute schedule flexes that can ruin your viewing plans.