Live College Football TV & Streaming Schedule

College Football TV Schedule: Your Ultimate Guide to Watching Every Game Live

College football, particularly at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level, is one of the most popular spectator sports in the United States. The excitement, intense rivalries, and long-standing traditions of college football draw millions of viewers every season. Whether you're cheering for your alma mater or rooting for a top-ranked team, our guide will help you navigate the college football TV landscape to ensure you never miss a touchdown, a last-second field goal, or a game-changing play.

The college football schedule runs from late August to early January. This five-month season covers thrilling regular-season matchups, high-stakes conference championships, and the much-anticipated bowl games, culminating in the College Football Playoff (CFP) national championship.

Understanding the Landscape of College Football Broadcasts

The Role of Conferences and Networks

Navigating college football broadcasts can be complex, as games are typically aired across a variety of channels and streaming services. The home team's conference often determines which channel carries the game. Major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC secure rights to broadcast some of the biggest games, including traditional rivalry matchups and nationally significant contests. Additionally, ESPN and its affiliated channels (ESPN2, ESPNU) dominate college football coverage, alongside conference-specific networks like the ACC Network, Big Ten Network, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network. Understanding which network covers which conference can help ensure you know exactly where to find your favorite teams.

Key Broadcast Channels for College Football

The key networks to keep an eye on for college football broadcasts include:

• ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX – These major networks typically carry some of the most anticipated games, including prime-time matchups, conference championships, and playoff games.
• ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU – ESPN owns the rights to a significant number of college football games, spanning multiple conferences and often featuring teams from across the nation. ESPNU focuses on smaller conferences and up-and-coming programs.
• CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) – A critical player in covering Group of Five schools and airing select conference games, including Mountain West matchups.
• FOX Sports 1 (FS1) – Another go-to channel for watching Big 12, Big Ten, and Pac-12 games, often showing key conference games and rivalry matchups.
• Conference-Specific Networks:
  • ACC Network – Broadcasting games from the Atlantic Coast Conference.
  • Big Ten Network (BTN) – Focused on the Big Ten Conference.
  • Pac-12 Network – Dedicated to the Pac-12 Conference.
  • SEC Network – Features games and programming from the Southeastern Conference.

Occasionally, smaller or less mainstream channels like The CW and NFL Network may also broadcast select college football games, typically airing during less congested times on the schedule.

Cable Packages for College Football

With so many channels broadcasting games, choosing the right TV package or streaming service can make all the difference. Here are some options to consider:

• Hulu + Live TV: One of the most comprehensive options for college football fans, Hulu + Live TV offers access to major channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, as well as ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and conference-specific networks like ACC Network, SEC Network, and Big Ten Network. Plus, with unlimited DVR storage, you’ll never miss a game.
• fuboTV: Known for its sports-centric approach, fuboTV offers a variety of regional sports networks (RSNs), along with CBS Sports Network, FOX Sports channels, and Pac-12 Networks. A seven-day free trial is available, making it a great option to test during the season.
• Sling TV: Sling TV is a cost-effective choice for cord-cutters, providing access to ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and select other networks through their Orange and Blue packages. With add-ons, you can also access more sports channels at a relatively low cost.
• YouTube TV: YouTube TV has become a strong contender in the streaming space, providing access to most major college football channels, including CBS, ABC, FOX, ESPN, and BTN. It offers unlimited DVR and seamless streaming across devices.
• ESPN+: ESPN+ is an excellent budget-friendly option for fans of smaller or less nationally prominent schools, offering exclusive live games from over 25 conferences, including the Ivy League, Sun Belt, and more.

Streaming College Football on Apps

There isn’t one single app that carries every college football game, but you can catch many games using TV provider apps or individual channel apps. For example, the ESPN app and FOX Sports app are both essential for college football fans, as they stream games from their respective networks.

If you have a cable subscription, you can log in to these apps with your provider credentials to access live games and highlights. Similarly, most streaming services (Hulu, fuboTV, Sling TV, etc.) also offer dedicated apps that allow for on-the-go viewing.

Regional Channels and Local Broadcasting

In addition to national networks, regional sports networks (RSNs) and local channels are key for accessing regional games. Major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC broadcast important games and can often be accessed for free via an over-the-air (OTA) antenna.

Local market coverage varies depending on where you are, but regional channels are crucial for catching games from schools in your area, particularly for schools from smaller conferences or less nationally recognized programs.

The Difference Between FBS and FCS

College football fans will notice a distinction between the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). These two divisions reflect different levels of competition in NCAA Division I football.

FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision)

FBS is the highest level of college football. Its games dominate the TV schedule, with schools from the Power Five conferences (SEC, Big Ten, ACC, Pac-12, Big 12) taking center stage. FBS programs tend to have larger budgets, larger stadiums, and more scholarships to offer. This division is home to the College Football Playoff (CFP), the highest-stakes competition in college football, determining the national champion.

FBS teams are known for their deep rosters and high-profile coaches, with schools like Alabama, Ohio State, and Clemson consistently drawing massive national audiences.

FCS (Football Championship Subdivision)

In contrast, FCS represents the next tier of NCAA football. While the games may not receive as much national attention, the competition is fierce, especially during the postseason, where the FCS playoffs feature a 24-team single-elimination bracket. Schools like North Dakota State and James Madison have dominated the FCS scene in recent years, and games can be just as thrilling as their FBS counterparts.

While FCS schools can offer fewer scholarships (63 compared to 85 in FBS), many programs attract top talent, and the playoffs provide a unique edge with a true bracket-style competition.

Scholarships and Rosters

FBS schools offer up to 85 full scholarships, while FCS schools are limited to 63 scholarships, which can be divided into partial scholarships. This difference plays a significant role in recruiting and roster depth.

The Playoffs

The playoff system varies significantly between FBS and FCS:

• FBS: The College Football Playoff (CFP) system ranks the top four teams based on a selection committee's decision, with the teams competing in semifinal games to earn a spot in the national championship.
• FCS: The FCS playoffs consist of a 24-team bracket, with 11 conference champions earning automatic bids. The remaining spots are awarded at-large, and teams battle through several rounds of elimination to determine the national champion.

With this guide and our full college football TV schedule, you can stay on top of every game throughout the season. Whether you prefer watching on traditional cable or streaming online, we've got you covered!