NCAA College Football Games on TV: Today

Watching College Football on TV and Stream

College football, particularly at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level, is an immensely popular spectator sport in the United States. The excitement, rivalries, and traditions of college football draw millions of viewers each season. In this guide, we'll help you navigate the landscape of watching college football on TV and stream, ensuring you never miss a touchdown.

Understanding the Landscape of College Football Broadcasts

The Role of Conferences and Networks

The first step to watching college football involves understanding the complex landscape of broadcasts. Games are typically aired across various channels and streaming services, with the home team's conference often determining which channel carries the game. Major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC broadcast some of the biggest games, but many games air on ESPN channels and college conference networks.

Key Broadcast Channels for College Football

The most important channels for college football include ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, CBS Sports Network, FOX Sports 1 (FS1), and conference-specific channels like the ACC Network, Big Ten Network, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network. Other channels, like The CW and NFL Network, may occasionally air games.

Cable Packages for College Football

Many cable TV packages offer channels that broadcast college football games. Let's look at some options.

• Hulu + Live TV: Hulu + Live TV is a top contender for streaming college football. It offers unlimited DVR storage and every essential college football channel, including ACC Network, ESPN+, SEC Network, and more. The package costs between $69.99 to $82.99 per month.
• fuboTV: fuboTV is another great option, particularly for regional coverage. It carries essential channels like CBS Sports Network, FS2, Pac-12 Networks, and offers a seven-day free trial. The cost ranges between $74.99 to $94.99 per month.
• Sling TV: Sling TV offers a cost-effective option to watch channels like ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and more. It costs between $40.00 to $55.00 per month.
• ESPN+: For a budget-friendly option, ESPN+ offers exclusive live and on-demand games from over 25 conferences for $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year.

Streaming College Football on Apps

There isn't a dedicated app that carries every college football game. However, you can watch games through your TV provider's dedicated app. Some individual channels also have apps, with the ESPN and FOX Sports apps hosting many college football games.

Regional Channels and Local Broadcasting

For local coverage, regional sports networks (RSNs) and local channels play a vital role. ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC broadcast important games and can be accessed easily with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna.

2023-2024 College Football Schedule

The college football schedule runs from late August to early January. This five-month season covers regular-season matchups, conference championships, and bowl games.

Key Awards and Recognitions in College Football

Throughout the college football season, several awards are given to players and coaches. These include the Heisman Trophy, the AP Poll, and the AFCA, among others.

The Future of Watching College Football

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways fans can watch college football. Live streaming is becoming increasingly popular, and virtual reality could soon offer fans an immersive viewing experience.


Watching college football on TV and via streaming services is a thrilling experience. With this guide, you'll be well- equipped to catch every game of the season, no matter where you are. Don't miss a single college game day!

What is the difference between FBS and FCS schools?

When it comes to college football, the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) stand out as two distinct divisions. The NCAA established these divisions in 1973 and 1978, aiming to create a fair playing field for schools to compete nationally and fulfill unique purposes in the college athletics landscape.

The FBS, formerly Division I-A, represents the highest level of college football, allowing schools with strong football programs to compete nationally. FBS games on TV showcase the division's popularity. On the other hand, the FCS, once known as Division I-AA, was created to provide smaller universities with an opportunity to compete evenly. While FCS games on TV may not be as popular, they offer thrilling competition, especially during playoffs.

Scholarships

Size and scholarships are key differentiators between FBS and FCS institutions. FBS schools are generally larger, boasting bigger student populations and athletics budgets, which enables them to provide better facilities and attract experienced coaches. In contrast, FCS institutions are typically smaller but offer a more intimate environment preferred by some student-athletes.

When it comes to scholarships, FBS schools can offer up to 85 full scholarships, leading to deeper rosters and more competitive recruiting classes. FCS schools, limited to 63 scholarships, can split these into partial scholarships, allowing them to recruit more players.

The Playoffs

The playoff systems of the two divisions offer unique experiences. The FBS uses the College Football Playoffs (CFP) to determine the national champion, with the CFP Selection Committee rating teams throughout the season, resulting in the top four teams being invited to the playoffs. On the other hand, the FCS playoffs feature a 24-team bracket, with 11 teams earning automatic bids by winning their conference, and the rest selected at-large by a committee. The top eight teams receive byes, and the final tournament plays out as single-elimination games.

Despite these differences, both FBS and FCS are overseen by the NCAA, which sets compliance guidelines that all teams must follow.