College football season is nearly upon us on and now, with streaming options exploding, there are more ways to watch college football than ever before.
This fall marks a new era as both ESPN and Fox are launching direct-to-consumer streaming services, giving fans unprecedented access to live games. With so many options, how should college football fans watch, and what’s the most cost-efficient strategy? Below we break down the best streaming services, new deals, and channel lineups to help you cheer on your team without breaking the bank.
ESPN’s New Direct-to-Consumer Streaming Service (ESPN DTC)
ESPN is going direct-to-consumer on August 21, 2025, just in time for kickoff. This new service, which we’ll call ESPN DTC, lets fans subscribe to ESPN without cable. The Unlimited Plan ($29.99/month) includes all of ESPN’s channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN News, ESPN Deportes, plus conference networks like SEC Network (SECN) and ACC Network (ACCN).
The Unliimted Plan even covers games on ABC (branded “ESPN on ABC”) and includes ESPN+ and online-only streams (SEC+ and ACCNX).
In other words, an ESPN DTC subscription lets you stream every game that would normally be on an ESPN channel or ABC.
What’s the value for college football fans? If your team plays in the SEC or ACC, ESPN DTC has you covered because those conferences’ games air on ESPN/ABC and their affiliated networks. Big 12 fans will also need ESPN for many games (the Big 12’s TV deal is split between ESPN and Fox). The price is steep compared to single-network apps of the past, but remember this essentially replicates the full ESPN cable package and there’s no contract.
To sweeten the deal, Disney is offering a special bundle at launch: you can get ESPN DTC’s unlimited plan plus Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month (for the first 12 months). That means early adopters can basically snag Disney+ and Hulu at no extra cost for a year, which is great if you enjoy entertainment or have family members who do.
One important note: ESPN’s DTC service does not include channels from other networks. You won’t get Fox Sports or CBS/NBC content here, so it’s not a one-stop solution for all college games. But as we’ll see, there are new options for those networks too.
Fox One: Streaming All of FOX Sports (and More)
Fox is following a similar playbook with FOX One, its new direct-to-consumer platform also launching on August 21, 2025. FOX One brings all of Fox’s major channels into one streaming app. That means with a single subscription you can stream live FOX Sports content (college football on Fox), FS1, FS2, the Big Ten Network (BTN), plus Fox’s main broadcast network and even Fox News (meh) and entertainment channels. The Big Ten’s biggest games (like “Big Noon Kickoff” on FOX), many Big 12 matchups on FS1, and any games on BTN will all be accessible. It even includes your local FOX station live so if, say, Ohio State vs. Michigan is airing on your local Fox channel, you can stream it via FOX One without an antenna.
How much? Fox One plans start at $19.99/month for the base package. That undercuts ESPN’s pricing, likely because Fox One bundles in a broader array of content (news, entertainment) beyond sports. For sports die-hards, Fox is also offering optional add-ons like FOX Nation (its streaming service for specials) and B1G+ (the Big Ten’s supplementary streaming for non-televised games) within the app. But the base $19.99 plan should cover the live channels college football fans care about (Fox, FS1, FS2, BTN, etc.).
Why consider FOX One? If you’re a Big Ten fan, Fox owns a big chunk of the Big Ten rights. In 2025, Big Ten games are split across Fox/BTN, NBC (primetime games), and CBS (some afternoon games). FOX One will handle all the Fox-side games. Big 12 and Mountain West also have games on Fox/FS1. Essentially, FOX One is the cord-cutter’s way to get all Fox-hosted college football action in one place. And beyond college football, it includes NFL on Fox, MLB postseason, and other sports Fox carries – a nice bonus for year-round sports viewers.
The ESPN + FOX Bundle: Perhaps the best news is that ESPN and Fox are teaming up on a bundle for their new streaming services. Starting October 2, subscribers can get ESPN DTC + FOX One together for $39.99/month (which is a $10 discount to bundling ESPN DTC + Fox One separately). For $40, you’d have nearly all college football games on ESPN, ABC, Fox, FS1, and BTN – mirroring what a traditional cable sports tier offers.
If you’re a die-hard college football fan who watches games across multiple conferences, this combined bundle could be the most comprehensive (and comparatively cost-efficient) streaming solution. It’s basically a one-two punch that covers Saturday’s biggest games on ESPN/ABC and Fox, plus a ton of other sports content. Keep in mind, though, you’d still lack CBS and NBC coverage with just these two – we’ll tackle those next.
Live TV Streaming Services: All-in-One Solutions
If juggling multiple apps isn’t your style, you can opt for a live TV streaming service that offers many channels in one package. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV essentially replicate cable, including local broadcast stations and sports networks, but with month-to-month streaming flexibility and, critically, a DVR that can be used with all channels. Here’s a rundown of how they stack up for college football:
- YouTube TV: Google’s popular service offers 75+ channels including all the major college football broadcasters: local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC stations, ESPN & ESPN2, ESPNU, conference channels like SEC Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, plus FS1, FS2, etc. In short, YouTube TV covers every channel that carries FBS games, except perhaps a couple of specialty channels (e.g. games on ESPN+). At about $72.99/month (standard plan), it’s not the cheapest, but it’s comprehensive and you won’t miss a game due to channel coverage. You also get unlimited DVR to record games, which for many of us, is mission critical. For many fans, the simplicity of having one app for ESPN, Fox, CBS, NBC, etc., makes this a top choice — plus YouTube TV has multi-view, which enables a fan to watch four games at a time. For these reasons, YouTube TV is tough to beat. (Tip: YouTube TV often has free trials or introductory discounts for new users, so keep an eye out as the season approaches.)
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu’s live TV package is similarly comprehensive, carrying all the key locals and sports channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, FS1, BTN, ACCN, SEC Network, etc.) What sets Hulu + Live TV apart is that it includes ESPN+ as part of the subscription. That’s right – if you pay for Hulu + Live TV (around $75–$82 monthly depending on ad options), you not only get the live channels but also access to the ESPN+ service for extra college games and on-demand content. It essentially bundles the Disney streaming trio: Hulu (for on-demand shows), live TV channels, ESPN+, and even Disney+ is currently included. For college football, this means along with all the televised games, you can watch the smaller matchups or out-of-market games that are ESPN+-exclusive (like certain Big 12, AAC or Sun Belt games that aren’t on TV) without paying extra. If you’re an all-around sports fan and also enjoy Hulu/Disney+ content, this bundle can be a strong value. Hulu’s live TV also has DVR (though with some limits) and is very user-friendly for those already in the Hulu ecosystem.
- FuboTV: Fubo started as a sports-centric service, and it still lives up to that reputation. It provides most essential college football channels, including local broadcasts (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX in many areas) and cable nets like ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, BTN, ACC Network, SEC Network, CBS Sports Network and more. The primary packages are on par with YouTube TV (around $75+ per month). One drawback: Fubo lacks TNT/TBS channels, which will air some Big 12 games this fall and a CFP game. Also, Fubo does not include ESPN+ content, so you’d have to get ESPN+ separately if desired. Overall, Fubo is a good one-stop option especially if you also follow NFL (it offers NFL Network, RedZone add-on, etc.) or if you want a lot of international sports that Fubo specializes in. Just check that Fubo carries your local CBS/ABC station – it does in most markets, but always verify your zip code on their site.
- Sling TV: Sling is the budget-friendly pick, though it comes with some compromises. Sling annoyingly splits its packages into two bases: Sling Orange ($45.99/mo) which has ESPN/ESPN2/ESPN3, and Sling Blue ($45.99/mo) which has FOX and NBC (select markets), plus FS1, FS2, NFL Network and other channels. You can subscribe to both for $61/month. Sling also doesn’t carry local CBS at all, and check to make sure it covers Fox/NBC as it carries those channels only in larger cities. To get the full complement of college channels on Sling, you’d realistically need the Orange & Blue combo ($61/mo) plus the “Sports Extra” add-on for $11–15 (which gives you SEC Network, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPNU, etc.). That pushes Sling’s price closer to $70+ with everything, which isn’t much cheaper than YouTube TV. However, if you only care about certain channels, Sling lets you pay for a slim package. For example, an SEC fan might just buy Sling Orange + Sports Extra to get ESPN, SECN, etc., and use an antenna for CBS, thereby keeping costs lower than a full service. SOne very cool innovation from Sling this year is its new short-term passes. Sling now offers a Day Pass ($4.99)for 24 hours of service, a Weekend Pass ($9.99) for Fri-Sun, and a Week Pass ($14.99) for seven days. These passes include the Sling Orange channel lineup – so you get ESPN/ESPN2, etc., for that period – though notably not the broadcast networks. It’s perfect if you’re a fan who generally doesn’t subscribe to TV, but there’s one big game you must see on ESPN. For example, you could pay $4.99 on a Saturday and stream all of that day’s ESPN/ESPN2 games (plus TNT, TBS, etc. in Orange). If your team is playing a big rivalry on one particular weekend, $9.99 covers you for all the action from Friday through Sunday. This isn’t meant for weekly use – as SB Nation noted, the day-pass works out to be more expensive per day than a month-long sub if you did it every week. But for occasional needs, it’s a strong possibility. Just remember, Sling’s pass won’t help with games on ABC, CBS, or Fox as for those you’d still need an antenna or another service for. Still, this a la carte approach is a welcome new choice for cord-cutting college football fans on a budget.
Other Ways to Stream College Games 🔍
Beyond the big services above, there are a few additional streaming options and tricks that might come in handy:
- Antenna (Over-the-Air TV): Sometimes the most cost-efficient method is old-school. Investing ~$20-30 in a digital HD antenna can get you free HD broadcasts of your local ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX stations. Many marquee games (think Saturday afternoon on CBS or Saturday Night Football on ABC) are on broadcast TV. With an antenna, you can watch those for free in high quality. This pairs perfectly with a slimmer streaming plan, so you could use an antenna for the big network games and a cheap service for the cable-only games. If you live in a metro area, an indoor antenna should grab these channels easily. Rural fans might need an outdoor antenna. It’s a one-time cost that can save you a lot over time.
- Peacock and Paramount+: These are NBC’s and CBS’s own streaming platforms. While NBC and CBS games are available on the above live TV services, there are some exclusive streaming games to note. Peacock will stream a package of exclusive Big Ten games and Notre Dame games this year (in addition to simulcasting NBC’s primetime Big Ten broadcast). For example, you might find a Big Ten matchup that isn’t on any TV channel but only on Peacock. Peacock’s Premium plan ($5.99–$11.99) is needed to watch live sports. Paramount+ similarly offers streaming of your local CBS station for NFL and college games if you have the Premium tier. So if a big SEC game or Big Ten game is on CBS, a Paramount+ Premium subscriber can stream it live. Neither Peacock nor Paramount+ alone will cover the breadth of a full Saturday, but if you’re eyeing a specific game (say, your team’s game that’s exclusive to Peacock), a one-month subscription during that time could be worthwhile – it’s certainly cheaper than a whole cable bill. Additionally, NBC’s Peacock has the Big Ten Saturday night games and Notre Dame coverage, which is new as of 2024, so Big Ten fans might consider Peacock for those few games.
- ESPN+ (Standalone): Even before ESPN DTC launches, the ESPN+ service ($10–$12 monthly) carries tons of college football games from smaller conferences (and some Big 12/ACC non-marquee games). If you don’t subscribe to cable or a live TV service, you could use ESPN+ to watch many Group of Five conference games (AAC, C-USA, MAC, Sun Belt) and even some Big 12 games that aren’t nationally televised. However, ESPN+ does not include the big ESPN channel games as those are moving to the DTC service as discussed. Think of ESPN+ as bonus coverage (and now likely an integrated part of the new ESPN app if you get the unlimited plan). For most fans, ESPN+ alone won’t satisfy your college football needs, but for $11.99 it’s a nice add-on if you love watching smaller schools or a breadth of games.
- Trials and Promotions: Don’t overlook free trials or seasonal deals. Many live TV streaming services offer short free trials (e.g. FuboTV often has a 7-day trial, YouTube TV a 7-14 day trial). Some also run limited-time discounts around the start of football season. For instance, in past years YouTube TV has given $10 off for the first few months for new subscribers. Signing up at the right time can let you sample a service for the big games and see if it fits your needs. Just remember to cancel if it’s not for you, so you’re not charged beyond the trial. Also, check with your wireless carrier or internet provider – occasionally they partner with streaming services (e.g. T-Mobile has offered discounts on YouTube TV, Verizon has bundled Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+, etc.). It never hurts to ask and could save you some cash.
Choosing the Most Cost-Efficient Game Plan
With all these options on the table, what’s the most cost-efficient way to stream college football in 2025? The answer depends on which games you must have and your flexibility in channel-surfing:
- For the Die-Hard, All-Conference Fan: The new ESPN + FOX One bundle at $39.99/mo is a compelling choice. It gives you virtually every major game on ESPN/ABC and Fox/FS1/BTN. Add a cheap antenna (one-time fee of about $25) for NBC and CBS games, and you’ve got nearly 100% coverage. Even if you subscribe to Peacock for a couple months to catch exclusive Big Ten streams, your total might still be well under a traditional cable bill. The bundle also spares you paying $70–$80 for a broader channel package that includes a bunch of non-sports channels you don’t watch. Essentially, you’re piecing together your own custom “sports cable” for a reasonable price.
- For the Conference-Loyalist: If you mainly follow one conference or team, consider targeted services. Example: An SEC fan can get by with ESPN’s DTC service alone, since all SEC games are on ESPN or ABC now. That $29.99/mo covers the whole SEC schedule (and you can cancel after the season). Similarly, an ACC fan could do the same with ESPN DTC. A Big Ten fan, on the other hand, might combine Fox One ($19.99/mo) for Fox/FS1/BTN games and then ensure access to NBC/CBS for the rest – perhaps via antenna or a month of Peacock/Paramount+ for specific games. A Big 12 fan will likely want both ESPN and Fox access (since that league’s games are split), but you might choose one service during weeks your team is on that network and switch later (more hassle, but doable month-to-month).
- For the Casual Viewer on a Budget: If you’re content watching just the biggest nationally televised games each week, you could rely primarily on free broadcasts and occasional add-ons. An antenna will net you the marquee Saturday games on ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC for free. For the odd week you want cable-only games, consider using Sling’s Day Pass on a big Saturday to get ESPN for $4.99 and there’s no ongoing commitment. You could also rotate single-month subscriptions: e.g. pay for one month of YouTube TV during rivalry games in November, then cancel after. This cherry-picking approach requires more effort (and careful calendar reminders to cancel), but it can be extremely cost-efficient. For instance, you might spend $5 on a Sling pass for one weekend and $6 on a month of Peacock for a specific game – grand total $11 to see the few games you really care about, and use free TV for the rest.
- For the Full Entertainment Package: Maybe you want sports but also general channels, movies, and DVR without juggling multiple apps. In that case, a one-stop live TV service like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TVmight justify its higher price. Hulu + Live TV at ~$82 includes the Disney bundle and all sports channels, which could be a good family plan (sports for you, cartoons and shows for others). It’s not the absolute cheapest, but you get a lot of content beyond football. YouTube TV, with its smooth interface and unlimited DVR, might be worth the $73 if you watch various programming. And you’ll never have to worry if a game is on ESPN, Fox, NBC, etc. – you’ll have them all. Think of these as the “premium” route: you pay more, but you get convenience and breadth (still without a contract, which is nice).
Finally, remember that the landscape is always evolving. 2025’s big change is the launch of ESPN and FOX’s standalone services, which is a win for consumers seeking flexibility. Being a fan used to mean paying for a “bloated package” of channels; now we’re inching closer to being able to pay just for the sports we actually watch. The flip side is that managing multiple subscriptions can be a mess — but bundling deals and smart planning can simplify it. The key is to know where your team’s games will air (conference TV contracts matter!) and pick the streaming options that cover those. With a bit of homework, you can mix-and-match a solution that fits your budget.
Oh, and there’s always another option. You can sail the friendly pirate seas, but we’re not giving promoting that approach.
My personal go-to choice? YouTube TV. Having the DVR be able to record games on ESPN, Fox, Big 10 Network, etc and watch them back later with one device is a luxury that I’m willing to pay for. The multi-view is also a big plus. However, there’s a ton of options out there if that’s not your preferred route.
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Going with the ESPN DTC for this season
because I don’t watch TV outside of sports. If CU is on a Fox channel, I can subscribe.