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Cincinnati football is trying to turn a disappointing end to 2025 into a fresh start. This year’s team, again led by Head Coach Scott Satterfield, features a new quarterback in J.C. French IV, who became the all-time passing leader at Georgia Southern a season ago. Pairing a coach and quarterback who like to air it out should mean plenty of excitement for Bearcats fans — especially Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift — this year.
The 2026 broadcast map is still taking shape for the Bearcats. What we do know is that they’ll open the season on FOX before two straight appearances on ESPN+.
This guide lays out how to watch Cincinnati Bearcats football all season long, from rivalry games to the Big 12 chase. For a national college football viewing guide, check out How To Watch College Football.
2026 Cincinnati Bearcats TV schedule
Cincinnati starts the season by welcoming Boston College to Nippert Stadium before a quick turn to the 129th Victory Bell game against Miami (OH) in Week 3. Another big rivalry game awaits with a road trip to West Virginia on October 17.
The Bearcats’ biggest question is whether a retooled roster can turn early opportunities into enough traction for the tougher Big 12 portion of the schedule. A hot start could also mean more national TV windows.
Check the table below for the latest kickoff times and network assignments. For a quick look at college football’s national slate each weekend, see College Football TV Schedule.
CFB - Cincinnati Bearcats Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 3:30 p.m. | ||
Western Carolina Catamounts | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | |
Miami (OH) RedHawks | Saturday, Sept. 19 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 26 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Oct. 3 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Oct. 17 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Oct. 24 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Oct. 31 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 7 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 14 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 21 | TBD | TBD | |
At BYU Cougars | Saturday, Nov. 28 | TBD | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching Cincinnati Bearcats football
To watch Cincinnati every time it takes the field this year, you’ll need a combination of a TV provider and ESPN Unlimited. For a TV provider, YouTube TV and its Sports Plan are the best all-around option. ESPN Unlimited is only required for games that air on ESPN+.
Our recommendations are based on channel availability, price, and ease of use, as outlined in our Editorial Policy. For more options, explore Best Streaming Services for Sports.
Best Overall
When it comes to live TV providers, we recommend the YouTube TV Sports Plan for Bearcats fans. It includes FOX and all the other channels you need — or may need — including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and TNT. The only games you’ll need another service for are ones that broadcast on ESPN+.
Exclusive Games
ESPN Unlimited is required if you want to watch Cincinnati’s games against Western Carolina and Miami (OH) in Weeks 2 and 3. As more TV assignments are announced, ESPN Unlimited could become a bigger part of your viewing plans in 2026.
How to watch Cincinnati Bearcats football FAQ
Where can I watch the Cincinnati Bearcats for free?
You can stream a couple of Cincinnati Bearcats games for free in 2026 with free trials from DIRECTV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV. An over-the-air antenna can also deliver any Cincinnati games that air on your local ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC station at no extra cost.
Where can I stream Cincinnati Bearcats games if I don't have cable?
As we recommended above, YouTube TV and ESPN Unlimited make a great pairing for watching Cincinnati Bearcats games if you don't have cable. Hulu + Live TV is a helpful live-TV option as well, although it's more expensive than YouTube TV.
Can I watch Cincinnati Bearcats football on HBO Max?
Maybe. You can watch Cincinnati on HBO Max if one of their games is broadcast on TNT Sports. All college football TNT broadcasts are simulcast on HBO Max.
How do I watch Cincinnati Bearcats football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state fans can watch Cincinnati using the same channels and streaming services we recommended. College football coverage follows national, conference, and streaming rights — not in-market viewing packages.
What other channels will Cincinnati Bearcats football games air on?
Channel designations for future games will be announced throughout the season on either a 12-day 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.
