Finding the right channel for a BYU game used to be simple. You’d just flip on BYUtv, see the familiar blue and white, and settle in. But things have changed. Since the Cougars made the jump to the Big 12, the broadcast landscape has become a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. Honestly, it’s great for the program's exposure, but it’s kind of a headache for fans just trying to find the kickoff.
If you are looking for how to watch BYU football today, the short answer depends entirely on the week. Because the Big 12 has massive contracts with both ESPN and FOX, the Cougars are now regulars on major national networks. Gone are the days of every home game living on a single local cable channel. Now, you’re just as likely to find them on ABC at noon as you are on FS1 for a late-night "After Dark" special.
We are currently in the post-season window of the 2025-2026 cycle. BYU just finished a stellar 12-2 season, capped off by a thrilling 25-21 win over Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on December 27, 2025. If you're looking for a live game right this second in mid-January, the pads are actually put away for the winter. However, the "how to watch" rules for the upcoming 2026 season are already set in stone.
The Big 12 Broadcast Matrix: Where the Games Live
Most people get frustrated because they think one streaming service covers everything. It doesn't. The Big 12 media deal is split. This means the game could be on an ESPN-affiliated platform or a FOX-affiliated one.
When BYU is the "home" team or playing a conference road game, the television rights usually fall into one of these buckets:
- Major Broadcast Networks: ABC or FOX. These are the "big" games. Think rivalry matchups or games with conference title implications.
- National Cable: ESPN, ESPN2, or FS1. These are the bread and butter of the schedule.
- The Streaming Exclusive: ESPN+. This is the one that trips people up. At least once or twice a season, a game might be exclusive to the ESPN+ app. You won't find it on your standard cable guide.
Basically, you’ve gotta be flexible. If you’re a cord-cutter, you need a service that carries the "Big Four" (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) plus the sports staples like FS1 and the ESPN family.
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Why the 12:30 PM vs. 8:30 PM Kickoff Matters
The "six-day window" is a term you'll hear a lot. It’s the reason why, two weeks before a game, the schedule often says "TBA." The networks wait until the very last minute to see which games have the most hype before deciding who gets the primetime slot.
For BYU fans, this usually means a lot of late nights. Because of the Mountain Time Zone and a national fan base, the Cougars are a prime target for late-night slots on FS1 or ESPN2. It’s great for television ratings, but it's tough on the sleep schedule.
Best Ways to Stream BYU Football Without Cable
If you've ditched traditional satellite or cable, you aren't out of luck. In fact, you might have it easier. Several "Live TV" streaming services carry everything you need to see how to watch BYU football today and throughout the season.
Fubo is often the go-to for sports junkies. They carry almost every local and national sports channel, including the ones BYU frequently lands on. The upside is the interface; the downside is it can get pricey.
Hulu + Live TV is another heavyweight. The real perk here is that it usually comes bundled with Disney+ and, more importantly, ESPN+. Since the Big 12 puts several games behind the ESPN+ paywall, having it integrated into your main TV app is a huge win.
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YouTube TV is arguably the most stable. Their "Unlimited DVR" is a lifesaver for BYU fans living on the East Coast who can't stay up until 2:00 AM to finish a game. You just set it to record "BYU Football," and it grabs every game regardless of what channel it's on.
Sling TV is the budget option. If you get the Orange + Blue package, you'll get ESPN and FS1. However, be careful—Sling doesn't always carry local ABC or FOX stations in every market. You might need a digital antenna to supplement it.
The BYUtv Misconception
Here is what most people get wrong: BYUtv does not broadcast live football games anymore. Because of Big 12 rules, those live rights belong to the conference's media partners.
However, BYUtv is still essential. They run the pre-game show (BYU Sports Nation Game Day) and the post-game wrap-ups. If you want the deep-dive analysis, the "Coordinators' Corner," or re-broadcasts of the game a few days later, the BYUtv app is still your best friend. It’s free, so there’s no reason not to have it on your Roku or phone.
Listening on the Go: Radio Options
Sometimes you’re stuck in the car or stuck at a wedding (who schedules a wedding during a BYU game, anyway?).
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The legendary Greg Wrubell, the "Voice of the Cougars," handles the play-by-play. You can catch the radio broadcast for free on the BYUradio app or on KSL NewsRadio (1160 AM/102.7 FB). If you have a SiriusXM subscription, Big 12 games are usually rotated through the dedicated Big 12 channel (Channel 375).
There is something special about the radio call. Even if I’m watching the game on a 70-inch screen, I sometimes mute the national announcers and sync up the KSL feed. National guys are fine, but they don't know the roster like the local crew does.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Schedule
While we are in the off-season, the 2026 matchups are already generating buzz. BYU is slated to open against Utah Tech on September 5, 2026.
The schedule gets heavy fast. We're looking at a massive game against Notre Dame at LaVell Edwards Stadium and the resumption of the "Holy War" against Utah on the road. For that Utah game, expect a major network like FOX or ESPN to grab it for a primetime slot.
Actionable Steps for the Dedicated Fan
To make sure you never miss a kickoff, here is exactly what you should do:
- Download the BYU Cougars App: This is the most accurate source for live stats and "where to watch" updates. They update the TV channel as soon as the networks announce it.
- Check the 6-Day Window: Don't trust a schedule you printed in August. Check the Big 12 website or a reliable sports news outlet on the Monday before the game to confirm the kickoff time.
- Audit Your Streaming Service: If you use Sling or a smaller provider, ensure you have the "Sports Extra" add-on if the game moves to a niche channel like ESPNU.
- Sync Your Calendar: Most team websites offer a "Sync to Calendar" feature. This will automatically update your phone’s calendar with the correct time and channel information as it becomes available.
The transition to a Power 4 conference means the games are harder to find but much more rewarding to watch. Whether it's a sunny afternoon on ABC or a rainy night on ESPN+, being prepared is the only way to ensure you're part of the "Rise and Shout."