How To Watch the Armed Forces Bowl: Texas State vs. Rice
Get ready for the 2025 Armed Forces Bowl
Few postseason events rival the sheer patriotic energy of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. Played annually at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, this game has evolved into a fascinating “Graveyard of Giants” where disciplined service academies frequently dismantle larger Power 4 programs.
Between the extensive military hardware displays, the flyovers, and the wall of uniforms in the stands, the atmosphere is undeniably electric and distinct from the standard corporate bowl experience. In 2025, the game will be contested between Texas State and Rice.
I wrote this guide to help you navigate the broadcast maze so you do not miss a second of the action. Below, I’ll walk you through exactly which channel airs the game, the most reliable streaming services for cord-cutters, and how you can catch the 2025 Armed Forces Bowl live.
What channel shows the Armed Forces Bowl?
You can watch the 2025 Armed Forces Bowl live on ESPN. The game will kick off on January 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m ET.
Best TV plans for watching the Armed Forces Bowl
If you want the most comprehensive college football experience, I highly recommend Hulu + Live TV. It includes ESPN for the Armed Forces Bowl, but it also bundles in ESPN Select and Disney+ at no extra cost. This is arguably the best value for your dollar because you get the primary broadcast feed and the ability to switch to digital-exclusive content without leaving the app. It is the plan I use during bowl season to ensure I have access to every single matchup.
For those working with a tighter budget, Sling TV is a solid alternative. The Sling Orange package is one of the cheapest ways to get a live feed of ESPN. You will miss out on the local channels available on more expensive services, but if your main goal is simply to watch the Armed Forces Bowl without a long-term contract, this is the most efficient route.
How to watch the Armed Forces Bowl FAQ
How can I watch the Armed Forces Bowl for free?
Because the game airs on ESPN, you cannot watch it for free via an antenna. But you can sign up for a free trial of a live TV streaming service like Fubo or YouTube TV to catch the game.
Can I stream the Armed Forces Bowl on the ESPN app?
Yes, you can stream the game on the ESPN app by authenticating with your TV provider credentials or by subscribing directly to ESPN Unlimited.
Where is the Armed Forces Bowl played?
The game is played annually at Amon G. Carter Stadium on the campus of Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas.
What conferences play in the Armed Forces Bowl?
The bowl has a primary tie-in with the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and typically invites an at-large opponent, with a strong preference for hosting Army, Navy, or Air Force.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com editorial team researched the Armed Forces Bowl’s official broadcast rights and cross-referenced them with the channel lineups of every major TV provider. We then selected our viewing recommendations based on our hands-on testing, identifying the most cost-effective and straightforward ways for you to watch the game.
To learn more about our methods, check out our How We Rank page.
