Finding a seat on the couch for a Fighting Irish game used to be simple. You turned on NBC, saw the golden helmets, and that was that. But things have changed. In 2026, the broadcast landscape for South Bend's finest looks more like a high-tech puzzle than a standard TV guide. If you're wondering where to watch Notre Dame football, you’ve got to keep track of a mix of traditional networks, exclusive streaming windows, and some tricky away-game deals.
The partnership with NBC is still the bedrock. It’s been that way since 1991, and the current extension keeps them together through 2029. But "watching on NBC" doesn't just mean a pair of rabbit ears anymore.
The NBC and Peacock Connection
Most home games at Notre Dame Stadium still live on NBC. It’s the gold standard. However, the "Peacock exclusive" game is now a permanent fixture on the calendar. Every year, at least one matchup—like the 2025 meeting against NC State—is locked behind the Peacock paywall. You won't find it on your local cable affiliate. You won't find it on a sports bar's standard satellite package unless they've upgraded to a commercial streaming tier.
Honestly, it's a bit of a headache for the old-school crowd.
If you have Peacock Premium, you're usually safe for the home slate. Peacock simulcasts everything that airs on the main NBC channel, so if the Irish are playing in South Bend, that $7.99 or $10.99 monthly fee is your best friend. For the NC State game or similar exclusive windows, it's the only way to watch.
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Breaking Down the Away Games
Road trips are where it gets complicated. Since Notre Dame isn't a full member of a conference for football, they don't fall under a single conference TV deal like an SEC or Big Ten team.
When they travel to an ACC school—think Miami, Pitt, or Boston College—the games usually land on ABC, ESPN, or the ACC Network.
- ABC/ESPN: These are the big ones. High-profile road games against teams like Miami often get the primetime 7:30 PM ET slot on ABC.
- The "Oddball" Networks: Occasionally, a road game against a Big Ten opponent or a Pac-12 (or what's left of it) rival like Stanford might end up on FOX or FS1.
You basically need a "everything" package to guarantee you won't miss a kickoff.
Streaming Services: Which One Wins?
If you’ve cut the cord, you’re looking at the big four: Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream.
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Fubo is often marketed as the "sports-first" option. It carries NBC, ABC, FOX, and the ACC Network. But here is the kicker: it doesn't always include the Peacock exclusives because Peacock is a separate entity. You can't just "channel surf" into a Peacock-only game from the Fubo interface.
YouTube TV is arguably the most reliable for most fans. Their "Key Plays" feature is actually pretty cool—it lets you catch up on the big moments if you tuned in late. It carries all the local locals (NBC, ABC, FOX) and the major sports channels (ESPN, FS1).
Hulu + Live TV is a solid middle ground because it bundles Disney+ and ESPN+. While ESPN+ doesn't often carry live Notre Dame games, it's great for the peripheral content and some of the smaller ACC matchups that might impact the Irish's strength of schedule.
The International Struggle
For the fans in Dublin or London or Tokyo, things are actually... better? Notre Dame Athletics runs a service called Fighting Irish TV. For people outside the United States, they often stream the home games for free. It’s a move to keep the "Global University" brand alive. If you're abroad, check the official Notre Dame Athletics site before you go hunting for a shady pirate stream.
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Why the Schedule Moves Around
Television executives love Notre Dame because they move the needle. This is why you'll see a random Sunday night game to open the season, like the recent clash against Miami. They want that standalone window.
Kickoff times usually aren't finalized until 12 or 6 days before the game. Networks like NBC and ABC use "selection windows" to make sure the best matchups get the best time slots. If the Irish are undefeated in October, expect more 7:30 PM starts. If they're struggling, 3:30 PM becomes the norm.
Hardware Matters Too
Don't overlook the humble antenna. If you live within range of an NBC or ABC affiliate, a $30 digital antenna will get you the majority of games in crystal-clear 1080i or 4K (where available) for free. No monthly sub required. You’ll just miss the one or two Peacock exclusives and the cable-only road games on ESPN.
Checklist for Game Day
To make sure you're ready when the band marches out, verify these three things:
- Check the Host: Is it a home game? If yes, find your NBC local or fire up Peacock.
- Check the Conference: Is it an away game at an ACC school? You'll likely need ESPN or the ACC Network.
- Confirm the Time Zone: South Bend is on Eastern Time. It sounds obvious, but those early 12:00 PM starts sneak up on West Coast fans at 9:00 AM.
The reality of 2026 is that you probably need at least two subscriptions: a Live TV service (like YouTube TV) and a standalone Peacock sub. It’s the "Notre Dame Tax," but for most, seeing the Irish run out of the tunnel makes it worth every cent.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the official Notre Dame 2026 schedule on the Fighting Irish website to identify which games are "Home" vs. "Away." Download the Peacock app and ensure your subscription is active at least 24 hours before the first home kickoff to avoid login issues during peak traffic. If you are a student or alum, check for discounted Peacock rates often offered through university partnerships.