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College football is back for another year. Games are spread across more than a dozen networks and streamers, and we've combed through them all to identify what you need to know when it comes to how to watch college football, with an emphasis on nationally broadcast games.
The season kicked off with a few games last weekend, but the teams are officially back in full force this week with more than 100 scheduled games. As is the case with the NFL, there's no one place where you can watch absolutely every game (even if you have cable, thanks to some ESPN+ exclusive games), but we've identified the services that can help you out the most. Plus, we've highlighted a couple of streaming options that are excellent cable alternatives if you're a cord-cutter looking for a comprehensive live TV option.
Below, we've put together everything you need to know about watching college football this season. We also have a guide on how to watch NFL games and the best sports streaming services you can subscribe to this year.
As with the NFL, college football is spread across several broadcasters and streaming services. ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, NBC, CBS, CBS Sports Network, SEC Network, ABC, FS1, FOX, the Big 10 Network, and the CW are among some of the main ways to watch the games. Of course, you can also catch some games through regional sports networks and other means if you're local.
Select ABC and ESPN games will be available on ESPN+, which costs $11 a month. This isn't a guaranteed way to see all ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU games, but several will be available here. Some games will also only stream on ESPN+.
If you're only looking to watch a game that's on NBC, you can subscribe to Peacock's Premium Plus tier for $14. Likewise, if you're only looking to watch a game on CBS or the Big 10 Network, you can subscribe to Paramount+. You'll need to opt for the Paramount+ with Showtime tier for $13 a month to access CBS live streaming options. Paramount+ offers one-week free trials for new users.
If you don't have cable and you're looking for a way to see almost all nationally broadcast games, it's probably time to check out a live TV package. Sling TV and Fubo can both do the trick. When it comes to Sling, you'll need to subscribe to the Sling Orange + Blue plan for $55 per month to access ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and select local channels (like FOX, ABC, and NBC, but not CBS). You can also opt for some sports-centric add-ons, which add things like the SEC Network, the Big Ten Network, truTV, or ESPNU for an additional cost.
With a few exceptions, Fubo is the best live streaming option to catch most nationally broadcast games. It carries ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FS1, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, The CW, and more. Plans start at $80 per month, and new customers can get a one-week free trial. This is an especially sports-friendly service that will also help you out with many NFL games this season.
If you'll be traveling away from home during any big games, you can still keep up with your subscriptions using a VPN (virtual private network). This is a handy tool that enables you to change your electronic device's virtual location so that you can use your usual websites and apps from anywhere. Since the services we've highlighted require US payment methods, this option will work best for Americans traveling abroad.
ExpressVPN is our go-to recommendation due to its easy-to-use interface and hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Check out our ExpressVPN review for additional details, and keep reading to learn how to use a VPN.
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.
