Wait, did you check the schedule? Because finding out what channel is indiana football on feels like a part-time job lately. Between the Big Ten’s massive new media rights deal and the Hoosiers' recent explosion onto the national stage, you can’t just flip to "the game" and expect it to be there.
Honestly, it’s a mess of networks. One week you’re on FOX at noon, the next you’re digging through an app to find Peacock for a Friday night tilt. If you’re a die-hard IU fan, or just someone trying to see if the Cignetti era is actually the real deal, you need a roadmap.
The Quick Answer: Where to Look First
Most Indiana games land on one of four main spots. Since IU is part of the Big Ten, they are tied into a multi-billion dollar TV deal that spreads games across FOX, CBS, NBC, and the Big Ten Network (BTN).
If it’s a massive game—think Ohio State or Michigan—you’re likely looking at a major broadcast network. If it’s an early-season non-conference game against someone like Florida International or Old Dominion, it’s almost certainly going to be on the Big Ten Network.
But here is the kicker. You also have to deal with Peacock. NBC has exclusive rights to a handful of Big Ten games every year that only stream on their platform. If you see the game is on NBC, double-check if it’s the broadcast channel or the app. There’s nothing worse than sitting down with a cold drink at kickoff only to realize you haven't updated your streaming subscription.
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Breaking Down the 2025-2026 Broadcast Rotation
The "Big Three" networks have a specific rhythm for Big Ten play.
The FOX Window
FOX usually takes the "Big Noon" kickoff. Indiana has found themselves in this slot more often recently because they’ve actually been... well, good. If the Hoosiers are playing a high-stakes game at 12:00 PM ET, start with FOX.
The CBS Afternoon
CBS took over the 3:30 PM ET window that used to belong to the SEC. It’s weird seeing the Big Ten logo on CBS, but that’s the world we live in now. When Indiana travels to places like Penn State or Iowa for a mid-afternoon kickoff, CBS is the primary suspect.
NBC and the Night Lights
NBC owns the primetime slot. "Big Ten Saturday Night" is their flagship program. If Indiana is playing under the lights at Memorial Stadium (the "Rock"), you’ll likely find them on NBC or occasionally FS1.
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Streaming Indiana Football Without Cable
Cutting the cord? You aren't alone. You don't need a massive Comcast bill to figure out what channel is indiana football on. You just need the right login.
- YouTube TV & FuboTV: These are the gold standards for sports fans. They carry FOX, CBS, NBC, BTN, and FS1. Basically, you get everything.
- Sling TV: A bit cheaper, but be careful. You’ll need the "Sling Blue" package to get FS1 and local channels in select markets, and you might need an add-on for the Big Ten Network.
- Hulu + Live TV: Similar to YouTube TV, it’s a one-stop shop. It also bundles Disney+ and ESPN+, which is great for other sports but won't help much with Big Ten football specifically.
- Paramount+: If the game is on CBS, you can stream it live here, provided you have the "Essential" or "Premium" plan.
- Peacock: As mentioned, this is a must-have. At least one or two IU games a season seem to get tucked away here as "Peacock Exclusives."
Why Is It So Hard to Find the Channel?
The Big Ten uses a "selection window" system. This means for most games, the TV networks don't actually decide who plays where until 12 days before the game. Sometimes, for big matchups, they’ll even wait until 6 days before.
They do this to ensure the best games get the best time slots. If Indiana is undefeated going into November, the networks will fight over them. If they’re struggling, they get bumped to the Big Ten Network or a streaming-only slot. It’s all about the ratings.
What About the Postseason?
If the Hoosiers make a bowl game or—dare we dream—the College Football Playoff, the rules change. Most bowl games are owned by ESPN and ABC.
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For the 2025-2026 season, the College Football Playoff games were largely broadcast on ESPN, with some simulcasts on TNT Sports. If you are looking for the National Championship or a major New Year’s Six bowl, forget the Big Ten Network. You’re going to be on a Disney-owned property.
Tips for the Savvy Fan
- Check the IU Athletics Website: The official "IUHoosiers" site usually updates the specific TV network on the Monday of game week.
- Download the Action Network App: It’s great for quick checks on spreads, but it also lists the TV channel for every single FBS game in one list.
- Check the Radio: If you’re stuck in the car, the Indiana Sports Radio Network covers the whole state. Don Fischer has been the voice of the Hoosiers for decades; honestly, listening to him is sometimes better than watching the TV broadcast anyway.
Summary of Where to Watch
- Conference Games: FOX, CBS, NBC, BTN, Peacock.
- Non-Conference: Usually Big Ten Network or FS1.
- Postseason/Bowls: ESPN or ABC.
- Streaming: YouTube TV, Fubo, Peacock (for exclusives).
Keep your apps updated and your subscriptions active. The way the Big Ten is growing, don't be surprised if we're eventually looking for a game on Amazon Prime or even Netflix in the future. For now, stick to the main rotation and always check the kickoff time—it's your biggest clue for which network has the rights.
If you want to make sure you never miss a kickoff, your best bet is to sync the Indiana Football schedule to your Google or Outlook calendar directly from the official team site. This usually includes the broadcast info as soon as it's announced.