✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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Very few schools can say they’ve had the same head coach for at least 10 years, but NC State can. Dave Doeren is back on the sideline for an impressive 14th year. While it’s an impressive run, his seat is warm in Raleigh. The Wolfpack need a solid season, or this could be Doeren’s final run.
You can watch NC State games across ESPN platforms in 2026, including ESPN, ESPNU, and ACC Network. Select matchups may also land on other channels as additional TV assignments become official.
Use this guide to keep up with NC State’s TV schedule and the best ways to watch the Wolfpack all season long.
2026 NC State Wolfpack TV schedule
NC State’s 2026 schedule includes a mix of ACC matchups and nonconference games, capped by the annual rivalry game against North Carolina on November 28.
Check the table below for exact kickoff times and channels as more TV assignments become official throughout the season. To find the best games across the country each week, check out our College Football TV Schedule.
CFB - NC State Wolfpack Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
At Virginia Cavaliers | Saturday, August 29 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Richmond Spiders | Friday, Sept. 11 | 7:00 p.m. | |
At Vanderbilt Commodores | Saturday, Sept. 19 | 12:45 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 3 | TBD | TBD | |
Wake Forest Demon Deacons | Saturday, Oct. 10 | TBD | TBD |
At Stanford Cardinal | Friday, Oct. 23 | 10:30 p.m. | |
Saturday, Oct. 31 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 7 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 14 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 21 | TBD | TBD | |
At North Carolina Tar Heels | Saturday, Nov. 28 | TBD | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching NC State Wolfpack football
For NC State fans, choosing the best TV setup comes down to how much college football you want beyond the Wolfpack. A full live TV plan offers broader coverage, while ESPN Unlimited gives you direct access to ESPN’s networks and services.
We selected the best plans for NC State fans based on the channel availability, price, and usability approach detailed in our Editorial Policy. Want to compare more options? Start with Best Streaming Services for Sports.
Best Overall
YouTube TV is our top pick for Wolfpack fans who want more than just NC State games. Its Sports Plan includes key channels like ESPN, ESPNU, ACC Network, and SEC Network, plus local broadcast networks where available. Unlimited DVR and multiview also make it a convenient option for busy college football Saturdays.
Best Standalone Option
You might be able to watch NC State exclusively on ESPN Unlimited this season. ESPN owns the ACC’s football rights, so the majority of Wolfpack games will be available on the platform — including anything on The CW. That makes it a strong standalone option for following the Wolfpack without a full live TV package.
How to watch NC State Wolfpack football FAQ
Where can I watch the NC State Wolfpack for free?
Free trials from DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV can give eligible subscribers temporary access to some NC State Wolfpack games. You can also use an over-the-air antenna to watch games that air on local broadcast networks if your station is within range.
Where can I stream NC State Wolfpack games if I don't have cable?
YouTube TV is a straightforward cable-free option with key NC State channels such as ESPN, ESPNU, ACC Network, and SEC Network. Hulu + Live TV is another option with the core channels you need for college football.
Can I watch NC State Wolfpack football on ACC Network?
ACC Network carries ACC football throughout the season, but NC State's appearances depend on weekly TV assignments. Keep an eye on the schedule above as more games are announced.
How do I watch NC State Wolfpack football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state Wolfpack fans can generally use the same national and conference channels listed in the schedule table above. Local broadcast availability may vary by market.
Why you should trust us
David Vick, our Contributing Writer, cross-referenced NC State’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 ACC 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.
