How to Watch College Football Online without Cable?

Live TV streaming services for College Football

Hulu + Live TV

$69.99–$82.99/mo.* 

College football channels: ACC Network, ESPN+, SEC Network, and more

DVR storage: Unlimited (for 9 mos.)

Free trial: N/A

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FuboTV

$74.99–$94.99/mo.*

College football channels: CBS Sports Network, FS2, Pac-12 Networks, and more

DVR storage: 1,000 hrs. included

Free trial: 7 days

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DIRECTV STREAM

$64.99–$154.99/mo.*

College football channels: ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and more

DVR storage: 200 hrs. included.

Free trial: N/A

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ESPN+

$9.99/mo. or $99.99/yr.

College football content: Exclusive live and on-demand games from 25+ conferences

Free trial: N/A

View Plans

With over 1,000 college football games taking place between August and December, enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the college bowl season. While major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC broadcast some key matchups, the majority of games are aired on ESPN channels and college conference networks.

For cord-cutters looking to catch all the action without a traditional cable subscription, there are several excellent streaming options available. Among them, Hulu + Live TV stands out as a top choice for college football fans. This service not only provides access to unlimited DVR storage but also includes every ESPN channel, and even ESPN+ at no additional cost. For those seeking greater flexibility in channel offerings, DIRECTV STREAM and fuboTV, are also highly recommended alternatives.

If you're interested in discovering the comprehensive list of college football channels and more provider recommendations, read on to enhance your college football streaming experience. Enjoy the games without the hassle of cable!

Where to Watch College Football Games?

College football games can be found on a wide array of channels and streaming services, ensuring fans have various options to catch their favorite matchups. Local channels such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC continue to broadcast some of the most significant games, offering widespread accessibility.

For extended coverage and in-depth analysis, sports enthusiasts can tune in to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FOX Sports 1 (FS1), and CBS Sports Network. These channels provide comprehensive coverage of college football events, including pre-game analysis, live games, and post-game commentary.

Moreover, conference-specific channels like ACC Network, Big Ten Network, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network play a pivotal role in airing collegiate matchups, catering to fans' preferences for specific teams and conferences. Even if your favorite team doesn't belong to these conferences, you may still find the need to access these channels to watch certain away games, as they are determined by the home team's affiliation.

College football channels:

For those looking for exclusive streaming options, ESPN+ is an excellent choice, offering access to numerous college football games. Additionally, Peacock provides exclusive games while simulcasting NBC broadcasts, adding another streaming avenue for fans to enjoy.

Furthermore, viewers can access all games airing on CBS through Paramount+ with SHOWTIME. Moreover, certain games can be streamed via ACC Network Extra, ESPN3, and SEC Network+ by logging in to ESPN.com or the ESPN app with your TV provider credentials.

College Football Conference Channels

The following chart presents a comprehensive list of channels that broadcast games in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). In the case of Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) conferences, such as the Big Sky Conference and the Ivy League, a majority of the games are available on popular networks like ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN+.

2024–2024 college football schedule

Top Methods to Stream College Football Games

When it comes to watching college football games, the ideal streaming service depends on the specific games, teams, and conferences you wish to follow. For an all-encompassing coverage, we highly recommend Hulu + Live TV, as it stands as the sole TV provider offering ESPN+ in addition to all major college football channels (excluding Pac-12 Network). Furthermore, it boasts unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record numerous games to your heart's content.

However, for those who deem Pac-12 Network a necessity, fuboTV emerges as the next best alternative. This live TV streaming service provides access to all essential college football channels and even includes regional sports networks (RSNs) for added local coverage. It's worth noting that fuboTV comes at a slightly higher cost compared to Hulu + Live TV, and to achieve a comprehensive viewing experience, ESPN+ must be obtained separately. Additionally, the absence of TBS, TNT, and truTV on fuboTV might hinder college basketball watching.

To assist you in making an informed decision, we've prepared a comparison table below, highlighting how these streaming services fare in terms of college football coverage.

How to Watch College Football for Free - No Paid TV Plan Required

Are you eager to catch live college football games without having to subscribe to a paid TV plan? Look no further! You can still enjoy the excitement of college football by tuning in to local channels like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and The CW, all of which broadcast the games for free. The only requirement is to connect an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to your TV.

These OTA antennas are readily available and come in a range of prices, typically between $20 and $60. Keep in mind that the cost often corresponds with the antenna's range. So, it's essential to consider how far you are from broadcast towers in your vicinity. To determine this, simply enter your zip code into the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Reception Map Tool for accurate information.

If you're unsure which antenna to choose, let us offer you a recommendation: the Mohu Leaf 50. This fantastic antenna boasts a remarkable 60-mile range and includes a built-in amplifier to ensure stronger reception. However, don't limit yourself to just one option; we've got more antenna suggestions in our comprehensive guide to the Best OTA Antennas.