So, you’re trying to figure out what channel is ku football game on right now. Honestly, it’s not as straightforward as it used to be back when you just flipped to a local station and hoped for the best. With the Big 12 constantly shuffling media rights and the new 2025-2026 landscape in full swing, finding the Jayhawks requires a bit of a roadmap.
The short answer? It depends on who they’re playing and what time it is.
If you are looking for a game today, January 18, 2026, there actually isn't a KU football game on. The 2025 season wrapped up after a tough 5-7 run, finishing with a loss to Utah back in late November. Since the Jayhawks didn't hit that magic six-win mark for bowl eligibility this past winter, the pads are currently in storage.
But hey, the 2026 season is already peeking over the horizon. If you're planning ahead or trying to catch a replay, let's break down where the Jayhawks live on your TV dial.
Finding the Jayhawks: What Channel Is KU Football Game On?
When the season kicks off in September 2026, you'll find the Jayhawks spread across a handful of major networks. Because of the Big 12's massive deal with ESPN and FOX, those two giants are basically the gatekeepers for Lawrence.
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The Big Players: FOX and FS1
FOX loves the Big 12. Usually, the high-profile matchups—think the Sunflower Showdown against K-State—land on either the main FOX local affiliate or FS1. Last season, the season opener against Fresno State was a primetime feature on FOX. If you have a standard cable package or even just a digital antenna in the Kansas City or Lawrence area, you’re usually set for these.
The ESPN Umbrella
This is where it gets a little more "digital." While some games air on ESPN or ESPN2, a huge chunk of KU’s schedule now lives on ESPN+. It’s the "Big 12 Now" platform. Basically, if the game isn't picked up by a national broadcast network, it’s going to be streaming.
You’ve gotta have the app. You’ve gotta have the subscription. It’s kinda the price of admission for college football fans these days.
The New TNT/Max Factor
One of the weirder twists in recent seasons is the inclusion of TNT Sports. In 2025, we saw games like Cincinnati vs. Kansas air on TNT and HBO Max. It’s a bit of a curveball if you’re used to only looking for sports channels, so don't forget to check your Max app if you can't find the game on the "normal" stations.
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Streaming Options for Cord Cutters
Look, nobody wants to pay $150 a month for a cable box anymore. If you've ditched the cord, you have plenty of ways to keep up with the Jayhawks.
- Fubo: This is probably the gold standard for sports fans. It carries FOX, FS1, ESPN, and usually the local Kansas affiliates.
- YouTube TV: It’s simple, it works, and it has the "Key Plays" feature which is great if you’re tuning in late to a KU game.
- Hulu + Live TV: The big perk here is that it often bundles ESPN+ into the price. Since KU is frequently on ESPN+, this saves you from having two separate bills.
- Sling TV: A bit cheaper, but be careful. You usually need the "Orange + Blue" package to get both the ESPN family and the FOX family of networks.
The 2026 Schedule Preview
While we wait for the 2026 kickoff, we already know a few things about the upcoming slate. Kansas is heading to London. Yeah, you read that right. The Union Jack Classic against Arizona State is a go for 2026.
That game is almost certainly going to be a national broadcast. When the Jayhawks travel across the pond, expect a big-name network like FOX or ESPN to handle the morning (U.S. time) slot.
Key Matchups to Watch For:
- September 5, 2026: Season opener against LIU. Expect this one to be on ESPN+.
- September 12, 2026: The Border Showdown against Missouri. This is a massive TV draw. It’ll likely land on a major network like ESPN or FOX.
- Big 12 Play: Once conference play starts against teams like Utah or Colorado, the 12-day window kicks in. That means the networks don't decide what channel the game is on until about two weeks before kickoff.
Why Can't I Find the Game?
Sometimes you check the guide and... nothing. If you're staring at your screen wondering what channel is ku football game on and it's missing, check these three things.
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First, is it a "buy" week? Sometimes we lose track of the calendar. Second, is it an ESPN+ exclusive? If it’s not on your cable guide, open the ESPN app. It’s probably hiding there. Third, check the kickoff time. If it’s an 11:00 AM game, sometimes the local news is still running on the main channel, and the game is pushed to a secondary digital station.
Better Ways to Follow Along
If you’re stuck at a wedding or out of the house, the radio is still a vibe. The Jayhawk Radio Network is legendary. Brian Hanni on the call is the best way to experience a game if you can't see the screen. You can usually stream the audio for free through the KU Athletics website or the Varsity Network app.
Honestly, the best thing you can do is download the Kansas Jayhawks app. They push a notification about an hour before kickoff that tells you exactly which channel the game is on. No more scrolling through 500 channels of infomercials to find the Jayhawks.
What's Next?
Since there isn't a game today, now is the perfect time to make sure your setup is ready for next season.
Check your ESPN+ login to make sure it’s still active. If you’re a local fan in Lawrence, consider grabbing a cheap digital antenna. It's a one-time $20 purchase that guarantees you get the FOX and ABC games in high definition without a monthly fee. You might also want to bookmark the official KU Athletics coverage page, as they update the specific TV assignments every Monday during the season.