Look, I get it. You just want to sit down on a Saturday, crack a drink, and watch some high-stakes Big Sky action without having to solve a Da Vinci Code of streaming tiers and local blackouts. But if you're looking for where to watch UC Davis football vs Montana Grizzlies football, the "where" has become a moving target thanks to the latest round of media rights reshuffling.
The 2026 season is a weird one. We’re deep into the new ESPN-Big Sky extension that kicked in last year, and while it means more "national" exposure, it also means your old habits might not work. Gone are the days when every single game lived on one specific regional cable channel that everyone just had.
The Saturday, Sept. 26 Showdown at UC Davis Health Stadium
First off, let's talk about the big one on the calendar. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 26, 2026. This is a home game for the Aggies in Davis, California. Since it's a conference game, the rules of the Big Sky media deal are in full effect.
Where to Watch UC Davis Football vs Montana Grizzlies Football Online
For 90% of you, the answer is ESPN+.
The Big Sky and ESPN signed a five-year extension through the 2029-30 season that basically makes ESPN+ the "home base" for the conference. If the game isn't picked up for a "linear" (meaning actual TV channel) broadcast, it defaults here. Honestly, if you're a fan of either of these teams, you basically have to have this sub by now. It’s usually about $11 a month, or you get it in that Disney/Hulu bundle everyone has.
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Will it be on "Real" TV?
Here is where it gets tricky. Under the current deal, ESPN has the right to "flex" at least four regular-season Big Sky games onto ESPN2 or ESPNU. They usually announce these about two weeks out, though sometimes the "Big Games" are flagged before the season starts.
Given that UC Davis and Montana are perennial playoff contenders—seriously, look at the 2024 and 2025 rankings where they were both consistently Top 10—this matchup is a prime candidate for "Big Sky After Dark" on ESPN2.
If it’s on ESPN2:
- You can watch via FuboTV, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV.
- You can stream it on the ESPN App, but you'll need to "authenticate" with a cable or satellite provider login.
The Montana "Scripps" Factor
If you are a Griz fan living in Missoula, Billings, or anywhere in the Treasure State, you know the name Scripps Sports.
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In early 2025, the Big Sky renewed its deal with Scripps Sports through 2030. This is huge for Montana fans because Scripps owns the Montana Television Network (MTN). Even if the game isn't on ESPN2, it often airs locally on stations like KPAX or KTVQ.
Wait, what if I’m in California?
The Scripps deal actually includes "linear coverage in their opponents' home market." This means there is a decent chance a local Sacramento or Davis-area station might pick up the feed if Scripps is producing the game. Check your local listings for KASW or similar independent stations about 48 hours before kickoff.
Why This Specific Matchup is So Hard to Find Sometimes
There is a weird tension in how these games are broadcast. Because Montana is a massive "draw" in the FCS world, their games are often protected.
Last year, the UC Davis at Montana State game was a primetime ESPN2 special. When the Griz visited Davis back in 2024, it was the "game of the week." Broadcasters love this matchup because it’s a clash of styles: the physical, "grind-you-into-the-dirt" Montana defense versus the often explosive, air-it-out Aggie offense led by guys like Lan Larison (who, by the way, has been an absolute nightmare for Big Sky coordinators for years).
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If you are trying to watch from a sports bar, call ahead. Seriously. Don't just assume they have the "college football package." Many bars have DirecTV, and while DirecTV usually carries the ESPN channels, they don't always have the setup to stream ESPN+ onto 20 different monitors. You want a place that explicitly says they can stream "ESPN Plus" games.
Radio: The Old Reliable
If the stream is buffering or you’re stuck in the car on I-80 or US-93, the radio calls for these two teams are actually some of the best in the country.
- For the Griz: Riley Corcoran is the "Voice of the Griz." You can find the stream for free on the Varsity Network App or at GoGriz.com. It’s better than the TV audio half the time anyway.
- For the Aggies: You’re looking for the Sactown Sports 1140 AM feed or the Aggie side of the Varsity Network.
Troubleshooting the "Blackout" Myth
You’ll hear people on Reddit or Twitter complaining about "blackouts" for Big Sky games. In the 2026 media landscape, true "blackouts" (where a game isn't shown anywhere) are rare.
What usually happens is a "platform conflict." If the game is on Scripps/MTN locally, it is still supposed to be on ESPN+ for everyone else. If you are in Montana and can't find it on ESPN+, turn on your TV and find the local CBS or NBC affiliate—it's likely there.
Actionable Steps for Game Day:
- Check the 10-day window: Look at the Big Sky Conference official site (bigskyconf.com) exactly 10 days before Sept 26. They will confirm if it’s an "ESPN Linear" (TV) game or "ESPN+" only.
- Download the Apps: Get the ESPN App and the Varsity Network App on your phone now. Don't wait until 5 minutes before kickoff when you're fumbling for your password.
- Check your Scripps Local: If you're in a Scripps market (Montana, parts of Idaho/Arizona), check the local station's website. They often have specific "where to watch" guides for that weekend's Griz game.
- Avoid the "Free" Streams: Don't click those weird links on X (formerly Twitter). They are 90% spam and 10% lag. Stick to the official sources; the $11 for a month of ESPN+ is worth the lack of malware.