So, you want to watch Notre Dame football NBC style. You’re definitely not alone. There is something about that iconic gold helmet under the South Bend sun—or the stadium lights—that just feels different when the peacock logo is in the corner of the screen.
But honestly, the way we watch the Irish has changed a lot lately. If you haven't checked the schedule since 2023, you're going to be a little confused.
The days of just "turning on Channel 4" and calling it a day are basically over. Don't worry, though. It’s not actually that hard to find the games once you know where the exclusive digital traps are hidden.
The NBC and Peacock Relationship Explained
NBC isn't just a TV channel anymore; it’s a dual-platform ecosystem. For the 2026 season, the partnership between the University of Notre Dame and NBC Sports remains the longest-running solo media deal in college sports history. They’ve been together since 1991. That’s older than most of the players on the field.
Most home games still live on the main NBC broadcast network. You can grab those with a high-quality digital antenna if you live near a major city. Free football is the best football. But here is the catch: every single game that airs on NBC is also simulcast on Peacock.
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If you're a cord-cutter, Peacock is your best friend.
That One "Peacock Exclusive" Game
Every year, NBC picks one home game and hides it behind the Peacock paywall. You won't find it on your local cable or satellite package. In recent years, they’ve used this for games like the UNLV matchup or the Central Michigan game.
In 2025, it was the NC State game on October 11. For 2026, keep a sharp eye on the mid-October schedule. Usually, these "digital only" games are announced in the late spring or early summer. If you want to watch Notre Dame football NBC all season long, you basically have to factor in the cost of at least one month of Peacock Premium.
Where to Find the 2026 Away Games
This is where fans get tripped up. NBC only owns the rights to the home games at Notre Dame Stadium. When Marcus Freeman takes the squad on the road, the broadcast rights belong to whatever conference the home team is in.
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Basically, if the Irish are playing in an ACC stadium, the game is probably on ABC, ESPN, or the ACC Network. If they’re playing a Big Ten opponent away, it might be on FOX or CBS.
The 2026 schedule has some absolute bangers that won't be on NBC:
- The Shamrock Series vs. Wisconsin at Lambeau Field (September 6). Even though this is a neutral site, NBC typically keeps the rights for Shamrock Series games because Notre Dame is technically the "host."
- Away games at Purdue and North Carolina. These will likely land on the ESPN/ABC family of networks.
- The late-season trip to the JMA Wireless Dome to face Syracuse.
You've got to be flexible. You’ll need a rotating door of apps on your Smart TV to catch every snap.
Best Ways to Stream Without Cable
If you’ve finally ditched the cable box, you have plenty of ways to watch Notre Dame football NBC and the away games. You don't need a $200-a-month contract.
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- Peacock Premium: The cheapest way for home games. It's usually around $7.99 a month. It gives you the NBC feed plus the exclusive game.
- YouTube TV: Still the gold standard for sports fans. It carries NBC, ABC, ESPN, and the ACC Network. The DVR is unlimited, which is great because sometimes life happens and you miss the first quarter.
- Fubo: Formerly FuboTV. It’s built for sports junkies. It has everything YouTube TV has but often includes higher-quality 4K feeds for certain big-ticket NBC games.
- Hulu + Live TV: Very similar to the others, but it includes the Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle. That's a huge perk because a lot of the smaller away-game coverage often bleeds over into ESPN+.
A Warning for International Fans
If you are trying to watch Notre Dame football NBC from outside the United States, things get weird. Peacock doesn't work in most countries without a very sturdy VPN.
However, Notre Dame Athletics has been leaning into Fighting Irish TV. For fans in places like the UK, Ireland, or Australia, they often offer a "Season Pass" that streams the games directly. It's a lifesaver if you don't want to deal with laggy, questionable pirate streams that freeze right when the Irish are in the red zone.
What to Watch For in 2026
The 2026 roster is looking like a monster. With the expanded 12-team playoff now the "new normal," every NBC home game carries massive weight. One loss in October doesn't end the season anymore, but it sure makes the path to a first-round bye a lot harder.
Keep an eye on the defensive line. Under Freeman, the Irish have prioritized NFL-caliber edge rushers. Watching them on NBC’s high-def cameras—especially those 4K "Super Mo" shots they love—is a treat.
Actionable Steps for Your Saturday
Stop scrambling five minutes before kickoff. Do this instead:
- Download the NBC Sports and Peacock apps today. Don't wait until Saturday morning when the servers are slammed.
- Check your local listings for the specific kickoff time. Remember, NBC loves their 3:30 PM ET and 7:30 PM ET slots.
- Verify your login. If you're using a friend's Hulu or YouTube TV account, make sure the "Home Area" hasn't reset and locked you out.
- Get an antenna. If the internet goes down, a $20 pair of rabbit ears from the hardware store will save your afternoon.
The connection between the Irish and NBC is a piece of sports history. Whether you're watching on a massive OLED or a tablet in the garage, the broadcast quality is usually top-tier. Just make sure you've got the right app open before the whistle blows.