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Year three of the Pete Lembo era has arrived for Buffalo football. Although last season produced a disappointing 5–7 record, Lembo has won more games in his first two years than any coach in program history. This year’s Bulls have enough returning talent at the skill positions to make a run in the wide-open MAC, but their offense needs to turn potential into points for something magical to happen.
ESPN+ will cover three Buffalo games this season, while the Big 10 Network has one. Eight games are still unannounced, but we do know that four of those are slated to appear on CBS Sports Network, ESPN2, or ESPNU.
Here is how to watch Buffalo Bulls football in 2026, whether you’re following the Bulls locally or from afar. You should also check out How To Watch College Football for the whole FBS viewing picture.
2026 Buffalo Bulls TV schedule
Buffalo’s nonconference schedule is highlighted by early-season road trips to Florida International University and Penn State. When it comes to conference play, the Bulls will welcome Western Michigan, UMass, Bowling Green, and Central Michigan to Broadview Stadium.
Check out the rest of the Bulls’ schedule, including the most up-to-date start times and TV assignments, in the table below. If you’re a diehard college football fan, our How To Watch College Football guide is helpful too.
CFB - Buffalo Bulls Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
UAlbany Great Danes | Thursday, Sept. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | |
At Florida International Panthers | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 6:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 19 | Noon | ||
Robert Morris Colonials | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Western Michigan Broncos | Saturday, Oct. 3 | TBD | TBD |
At Toledo Rockets | Saturday, Oct. 10 | TBD | TBD |
Massachusetts Minutemen | Saturday, Oct. 17 | TBD | TBD |
Saturday, Oct. 24 | TBD | TBD | |
At Miami (OH) RedHawks | Tuesday, Nov. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD |
Wednesday, Nov. 11 | TBD | TBD | |
Wednesday, Nov. 18 | TBD | TBD | |
At Akron Zips | Friday, Nov. 27 | Noon | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching Buffalo Bulls football
For most fans, YouTube TV is the best cable-free provider for linear TV games this college football season. That’s the case for Buffalo fans as well, but you’ll also need an ESPN Unlimited subscription to go along with it.
When we name our top picks, we’re looking at the full picture: channels, price, and how easy a service is to use — based on our Editorial Policy. Browse Best Streaming Services for Sports for more ways to build your setup.
Best Overall
If you want one of the most complete TV providers, the YouTube TV Sports Plan is a great choice. It includes the national channels you need to watch Buffalo whenever they make a linear TV appearance. Fans who like to follow multiple games at once can use the Key Plays feature to catch up on all the big moments as they bounce from game to game.
Exclusive Games
ESPN Unlimited gives you access to the three Bulls games scheduled to air exclusively on ESPN+, along with potential matchups on ESPN and ESPN2. In total, ESPN Unlimited will house at least four Buffalo games this season — with a potential of eight total.
How to watch Buffalo Bulls football FAQ
Where can I stream Buffalo Bulls games if I don't have cable?
Outside of YouTube TV, the next best cable-free choice to watch Bulls games is Hulu + Live TV. It has all the linear TV channels you need, plus it includes a subscription to ESPN Unlimited. The only reason it isn't our top choice for Bulls fans is overall price.
Can I watch Buffalo Bulls football with ESPN Unlimited?
Yes, you can watch at least four Buffalo Bulls games with ESPN Unlimited in 2026. Games on ESPN and its affiliated networks, including ESPN+, stream through ESPN Unlimited in the ESPN App.
How do I watch Buffalo Bulls football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state Buffalo fans can use the same national channels and streaming subscriptions in the schedule table. College football distribution follows national, conference, and streaming rights, not a local-market package.
What other channels will Buffalo Bulls football games air on?
Channel designations for unannounced Buffalo Bulls games will be announced 12 days before the scheduled game dates, according to the MAC.
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.
