✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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Navy has a different look on offense in 2026, but the program still has plenty of momentum after consecutive double-digit-win seasons and a No. 23 finish in the AP Top 25. With former quarterback Blake Horvath graduated, the job falls to Braxton Woodson, who flashed real potential while filling in last season.
CBS and Paramount+ carry both Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy games this year. The rest of Navy’s TV slate spans CBS Sports Network and ESPN platforms such as ESPN, ESPNU, and ABC. Games on ESPN platforms are also available through ESPN Unlimited.
This guide breaks down how to watch Navy Midshipmen football in 2026. Below, we outline the full TV schedule and highlight the best live TV and streaming options to get the most games for your money.
2026 Navy Midshipmen TV schedule
Navy’s schedule is headlined by the annual Army-Navy Game on December 12. The Midshipmen’s other Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy matchup is against Air Force on October 3. They also face Notre Dame at Gillette Stadium on Halloween.
The kickoff times and channel assignments for the season are listed in the table below, so you always know where to find the Mids on game day. We’ll update it as remaining TV assignments become official.
CFB - Navy Midshipmen Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Towson Tigers | Saturday, Sept. 5 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
At UAB Blazers | Friday, Sept. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Oct. 3 | Noon | ||
Tulsa Golden Hurricane | Saturday, Oct. 10 | 3:30 p.m. | |
At UTSA Roadrunners | Saturday, Oct. 17 | TBD | TBD |
North Texas Mean Green | Saturday, Oct. 24 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Saturday, Oct. 31 | Noon | TBD | |
Temple Owls | Saturday, Nov. 7 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Saturday, Nov. 21 | Noon | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 28 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Dec. 12 | 3:00 p.m. |
Best TV plans for watching Navy Midshipmen football
For Navy fans, choosing the best TV setup comes down to how much of the schedule you want to cover with one service. A full live TV plan offers the broadest coverage, while ESPN Unlimited and Paramount+ Premium make sense if you’re primarily interested in specific groups of games.
Keep scrolling to view the options we think make the most sense for Midshipmen fans. You can compare more options beyond these three by checking out our Best Streaming Services for Sports guide.
Best Overall
If the AP Top 25 existed for live TV providers, YouTube TV would be near the top of our ballot. Its Sports Plan covers key Navy channels like CBS Sports Network, ESPN, and ESPNU, plus local broadcast networks where available. Unlimited DVR and multiview capabilities also make it a convenient option for college football fans.
Best for ESPN Games
ESPN Unlimited gives you access to at least four games — and possibly more when future TV assignments are announced. It also includes access to all college football games that stream on The CW, which is a nice bonus. You can choose a monthly or annual subscription, giving you flexibility that all fans deserve.
Budget Option
If you only care about watching the two Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy games on CBS, Paramount+ Premium is your best friend. With one matchup in October and the other in December, you’ll need to purchase a monthly subscription twice.
How to watch Navy Midshipmen football FAQ
Where can I watch the Navy Midshipmen for free?
Free trials from DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV will give you access to a handful of Navy Midshipmen games. You can also use an over-the-air antenna to watch the two Commander-in-Chief's Trophy games on CBS if your local station is within range.
Where can I stream Navy Midshipmen games if I don't have cable?
Outside of YouTube TV, the next best cable-free TV provider to watch Navy games is Hulu + Live TV. It has all the linear TV channels you need, plus access to ESPN Select and ESPN Unlimited through the ESPN app.
Can I watch Navy Midshipmen football on Paramount+?
Yes, you can watch two Navy Midshipmen games on Paramount+ — if you sign up for the Premium plan, which simulcasts every CBS broadcast. Both Commander-in-Chief's Trophy games against Air Force and Army will be available on Paramount+.
How do I watch Navy Midshipmen football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state Navy fans can watch through the same national and conference 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 Navy’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 American Conference 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.
