✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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Familiarity remains a theme for Minnesota in 2026. P.J. Fleck is in his 10th season in the Twin Cities, while quarterback Drake Lindsey returned for his second year as the starter after a solid redshirt-freshman campaign. The Gophers are also coming off consecutive 8–5 seasons, giving the program a steady foundation as it navigates another Big Ten schedule.
Minnesota’s 2026 TV slate spans Peacock, CBS, Big Ten Network, NBC, and other Big Ten broadcast partners. Many conference assignments are announced on six- or 12-day windows, so exact channels vary as the season unfolds.
Our fan-approved guide covers everything you need to watch Minnesota Golden Gophers football in 2026. We’ll break down the full TV schedule and best streaming options for catching the Gophers throughout the season.
2026 Minnesota Golden Gophers TV schedule
The front half of Minnesota’s schedule is highlighted by a rare non-conference test against an SEC opponent, Mississippi State. Big Ten play begins on September 26 and runs through the end of the season when the Gophers make a Black Friday trip to Wisconsin. Paul Bunyan’s Axe will be up for grabs in that one, so you don’t want to miss it.
Check out the table below for confirmed kickoff times and channels. We’ll update it as remaining TV assignments and start times become official.
CFB - Minnesota Golden Gophers Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Illinois Panthers | Thursday, Sept. 3 | 8:00 p.m. | |
Mississippi State Bulldogs | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 19 | Noon | ||
Saturday, Sept. 26 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Oct. 3 | TBD | TBD | |
At Purdue Boilermakers | Saturday, Oct. 10 | TBD | TBD |
Saturday, Oct. 24 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Oct. 31 | TBD | TBD | |
UCLA Bruins | Saturday, Nov. 7 | TBD | TBD |
Saturday, Nov. 14 | TBD | TBD | |
Northwestern Wildcats | Saturday, Nov. 21 | TBD | TBD |
Friday, Nov. 27 | 7:30 p.m. |
Best TV plans for watching Minnesota Golden Gophers football
Big Ten football is spread across CBS, FOX Sports, NBC Sports, Big Ten Network, Peacock, and other outlets. Minnesota fans need a setup that covers both traditional TV channels and streaming exclusives.
We’ve spent years researching college football TV rights, provider lineups, and streaming access across conferences. Based on that experience, the recommendations below are what we think is the most effective viewing setup for Golden Gophers fans.
Best Overall
YouTube TV is our top live TV pick for Minnesota fans. It has the channels, price, and easy-to-use interface that let you enjoy Minnesota football without the headaches — the on-field product notwithstanding. And for a limited time, you can lock in the Sports Plan for $44.99/mo. over six months.
Exclusive Games
Peacock is a great add-on for at least two Golden Gophers games in 2026. You can also enjoy a wide selection of movies and shows. That stress-free entertainment could provide a nice change of pace from the intense college football season.
How to watch Minnesota Golden Gophers football FAQ
Where can I watch the Minnesota Golden Gophers for free?
You can watch a number of Minnesota Golden Gophers games for free in 2026 by taking advantage of free trials offered by DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. An over-the-air antenna is another free option for any Minnesota game that airs on your local CBS, FOX, or NBC station.
Where can I stream Minnesota Golden Gophers games if I don't have cable?
If you want a cable-free service besides YouTube TV to stream Minnesota games, Hulu + Live TV is a good choice. It covers the core college football channels and provides access to ESPN Unlimited. That said, you'll still need Peacock for any games exclusive to the streaming service.
Can I watch Minnesota Golden Gophers football on Peacock?
Yes, you can watch Minnesota on Peacock at least twice in 2026. The service is the exclusive home for the season opener against Eastern Illinois, and it will stream NBC's broadcast of the Black Friday game at Wisconsin.
How do I watch Minnesota Golden Gophers football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state Golden Gophers fans can watch through the same channels listed in the schedule table above. College football broadcast rights are built around national, conference, and streaming agreements rather than a local-market blackout system.
Why you should trust us
David Vick, our Contributing Writer, cross-referenced Minnesota’s official schedule with every major provider’s channel lineup to put together these viewing recommendations, weighing channel availability, pricing, and ease of use. We’ll update this guide regularly throughout the season as remaining Big Ten TV assignments are finalized. Read more about our process in our Editorial Policy.
Game day starts here!
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.
