✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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After spending the 2025 season away from Bowers Stadium because of major renovations, Sam Houston returned to its home field in 2026. The renovated venue gives second-year coach Phil Longo a true home-field setting after his debut season was played largely in Houston. With quarterback Landyn Locke back to lead a retooled offense, the Bearkats have a different foundation to build around this season.
Sam Houston’s TV schedule spans ESPN platforms, CBS Sports Network, and TNT Sports. ESPN+ handles several games, while ESPN2 and ESPNU carry key Conference USA windows. The Texas Tech matchup also appears on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max.
This guide covers everything you need to watch Sam Houston Bearkats football this season. You’ll find the full TV schedule along with our top streaming recommendations for following the Bearkats from start to finish.
2026 Sam Houston football TV schedule
The heart of Sam Houston’s Conference USA schedule comes during a four-game run of midweek matchups in October, giving the Bearkats an extended stretch of national TV exposure. The schedule shifts back to Saturdays in November as the conference race moves toward the finish line.
Use the table below for Sam Houston’s full football schedule, including kickoff times and confirmed channel listings. Interested in the national slate each week? We’ve got you covered with our College Football TV Schedule.
CFB - Sam Houston Bearkats Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
At Troy Trojans | Saturday, Sept. 5 | 7:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Nicholls Colonels | Saturday, Sept. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 26 | Noon | ||
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
At Missouri State Bears | Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 8:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Nov. 7 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 2:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 2:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 28 | 2:00 p.m. | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching Sam Houston football
Sam Houston’s mix of ESPN platforms and non-ESPN linear networks means no single service covers every game. ESPN Unlimited will cover a large portion of the schedule, while a broader live TV plan fills the CBS Sports Network and TNT gaps.
The right setup depends largely on how much college football coverage you want. You can choose a broader package for more college football coverage or a lower-cost option centered on the Bearkats. Our recommendations below reflect those approaches.
Best Overall
The YouTube TV Sports Plan is our favorite robust TV option for Bearkats fans. It includes all the linear sports channels you need, while integrated ESPN Unlimited access covers ESPN+ games. The service also offers awesome features like unlimited DVR storage and multiview for next-level sports viewing.
Best Standalone Option
ESPN Unlimited offers access to SHU games on ESPNU, ESPN2, and ESPN+. You can subscribe directly or activate ESPN Unlimited through many eligible TV provider plans at no extra cost. If you only need ESPN+ coverage, the lower-priced ESPN Select plan is another option.
How to watch Sam Houston football FAQ
Where can I watch Sam Houston football for free?
Eligible free trials from live TV services such as DIRECTV, Fubo, and YouTube TV can provide temporary access to some Sam Houston games. Which matchups are available depends on the channels included with each service and the timing of the trial.
What's the best way to stream Sam Houston football without cable?
YouTube TV is our No. 1 pick for Sam Houston fans who don't want cable. Hulu + Live TV is another good option that covers the core sports channels, but it comes in at a higher price.
Can I watch Sam Houston football on HBO Max?
Yes, you can watch Sam Houston Bearkats football on HBO Max once in 2026. Sam Houston's September 26 game at Texas Tech, which is scheduled to air on TNT, will simulcast on HBO Max.
Where can I watch Sam Houston's midweek CUSA games?
Sam Houston's four-game October midweek stretch airs across ESPNU and ESPN2. ESPN Unlimited includes both networks, while live TV services carrying ESPN's linear channels offer another way to tune in.
Why you should trust us
David Vick, our Contributing Writer, cross-referenced Sam Houston’s official football schedule with major TV providers’ channel lineups to build these viewing recommendations, weighing channel availability, pricing, and ease of use. We regularly review this guide as Conference USA 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.
