✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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Fresh off a 9–4 turnaround season, the Arizona Wildcats feel ready to compete for a Big 12 Championship this season. The driving force for the Wildcats is veteran quarterback Noah Fifita, who was one of thirty quarterbacks named to the Davey O’Brien Award Preseason Watch List. His final run as Arizona’s QB1 will carry extra weight all the way to the Duel in the Desert.
The Big 12 hopefuls will make appearances on CBS, ESPN, ESPN+, FOX, and TNT in 2026. Three of those national appearances take place in the first month of the season, giving the Wildcats plenty of opportunities to put fans around the country on notice.
This fan-approved guide explains how to watch Arizona Wildcats football in 2026, from the early nonconference windows through Big 12 play. For a broader channel-by-channel primer, take a look at our How To Watch College Football guide.
2026 Arizona Wildcats TV schedule
Arizona’s early slate has a distinct broadcast flavor: at BYU on FOX in the conference opener, against Northern Illinois on TNT, and at Washington State on CBS. The conference chase really heats up in October with games against Iowa State and Texas Tech. Finally, all roads lead to the November 28 Duel in the Desert against Arizona State in Tucson.
The table below has the latest kickoff times and channel assignments for every Wildcats game. For the national slate on any given week, we’ve got you covered with our College Football TV Schedule.
CFB - Arizona Wildcats Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks | Saturday, Sept. 5 | 9:30 p.m. | |
At BYU Cougars | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Northern Illinois Huskies | Saturday, Sept. 19 | 10:30 p.m. | |
At Washington State Cougars | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | |
Cincinnati Bearcats | Saturday, Oct. 3 | TBD | TBD |
Saturday, Oct. 10 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Oct. 24 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Oct. 31 | TBD | TBD | |
Friday, Nov. 6 | 10:15 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 14 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 21 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 28 | TBD | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching Arizona Wildcats football
YouTube TV is the best live-TV foundation for Arizona’s nationally televised matchups, but it doesn’t remove the need for ESPN Unlimited if your goal is to watch every game in 2026.
Explore our viewing recommendations below. They reflect the availability, cost, and usability approach detailed in our Editorial Policy. For a larger comparison of live-TV and standalone options, check out our Best Streaming Services for Sports breakdown.
Best Overall
When it comes to live-TV providers, YouTube TV might actually be a dream. It brings together all the necessary channels with a user interface that is easy to navigate. And for a limited time only, you can lock in the Sports Plan for $54.99/mo. over 12 mos.
Exclusive Games
ESPN Unlimited is the only way to watch the Wildcats’ season opener against in-state opponent Northern Arizona — unless you’re willing to sit in the stands and brave the Tucson heat. That’s why it’s a necessary add-on for fans who don’t want to miss a single snap this year.
Best Add-On
Every Arizona game that TNT broadcasts this season will also stream on HBO Max. The Wildcats currently have one game slated for the network: Northern Illinois on September 19. TNT could pick up another game or two later in the season, so keep HBO Max on your watchlist rather than signing up right away.
How to watch Arizona Wildcats football FAQ
Where can I stream Arizona Wildcats games if I don't have cable?
Outside of YouTube TV, if you are looking for a way to watch the Wildcats play without cable, we recommend Hulu + Live TV. The streaming service has every core college football channel, and it includes ESPN Unlimited for good measure.
Can I watch Arizona Wildcats football on HBO Max?
Yes, you can watch Arizona Wildcats football on HBO Max. Arizona’s September 19 game against Northern Illinois, which is scheduled to air on TNT, will simulcast on HBO Max.
How do I watch Arizona Wildcats football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state Arizona football fans can typically watch using the same channels and streaming services we recommended above. College football distribution is based on national and conference rights, not a local home-market package.
What other channels will Arizona Wildcats football games air on?
Channel designations for future Arizona games will be announced throughout the season on either a 12- or six-day notice through Big12Sports.com and the conference's official digital platforms.
CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
