✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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San Diego State kicks off a new chapter in 2026 as a member of the rebuilt Pac-12 Conference. Last season, head coach Sean Lewis led the Aztecs to a stellar 9–4 record and their first bowl trip since 2022. That turnaround raised expectations for SDSU’s first Pac-12 season. Senior quarterback Jayden Denegal also returned after missing the New Mexico Bowl following surgery on his non-throwing shoulder.
SDSU’s announced broadcast schedule includes Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, The CW, and USA Network. Games airing on The CW can be streamed through ESPN Unlimited, but the rest of the Aztecs’ channel lineup requires a live TV provider.
This guide covers exactly how to watch San Diego State Aztecs football, from the full TV schedule to the smartest streaming plans and the questions Aztecs fans need answers to.
2026 San Diego State Aztecs TV schedule
San Diego State’s 2026 schedule opens with four straight non-conference games, including a trip to UCLA. The Aztecs’ inaugural Pac-12 slate starts October 3 against Texas State. The Battle for the Old Oil Can follows October 17 against Fresno State, while the back half includes a November 21 trip to Boise State.
Check out the full Aztecs schedule, including kickoff times and TV networks, in the table below.
CFB - San Diego State Aztecs Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Portland State Vikings | Saturday, Sept. 5 | 9:30 p.m. | |
At UCLA Bruins | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 7:15 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 10:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Sept. 26 | Noon | ||
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 10:30 p.m. | ||
At Oregon State Beavers | Saturday, Oct. 10 | 6:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 6:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 31 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 9:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 9:30 p.m. | ||
At TBD | Saturday, Nov. 28 | TBD | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching San Diego State Aztecs football
San Diego State’s four-channel broadcast lineup comes with a catch: Only one channel offers a direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming option. A live TV plan that carries all four currently assigned channels is the simplest way to cover SDSU’s announced schedule, while ESPN Unlimited offers a standalone option for games on The CW.
Best Overall
The YouTube TV Sports Plan provides the most complete TV experience this season. It packages all four currently assigned channels you need — plus a lot more — to watch San Diego State. But that’s not all. It also provides a user-friendly interface, multiview, and unlimited DVR storage. That’s why it’s our top option for fans who want the best viewing experience.
Best Standalone Option
Even though ESPN-affiliated channels don’t carry any games, you can still watch Aztecs football with ESPN Unlimited. Thanks to a new integration that launched on August 4, The CW’s live sports programming is available through the ESPN App with a subscription. Plans start at $31.99/mo.
How to watch San Diego State Aztecs football FAQ
Where can I watch the San Diego State Aztecs for free?
You can watch San Diego State's games on The CW for free over the air with an antenna where a local CW affiliate is available. You can also catch additional games with free trials from DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.
Where can I stream San Diego State Aztecs games if I don't have cable?
YouTube TV is a great cable-free option for SDSU fans. Another option is Hulu + Live TV, which offers the core channels and access to ESPN Unlimited through the ESPN app, but it's more expensive.
Can I watch San Diego State Aztecs football on Peacock?
No, you can't watch San Diego State Aztecs football on Peacock. While USA Network will broadcast four SDSU games, Versant now operates the network rather than NBCUniversal, Peacock's parent company.
How do I watch San Diego State Aztecs football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state Aztecs fans can use the same national networks and streaming options listed above, though local CW availability can vary by market.
Why you should trust us
David Vick, our Contributing Writer, cross-referenced San Diego State’s official football schedule with several major providers’ channel lineups to put together these viewing recommendations, weighing channel availability, pricing, and ease of use. We update this guide regularly throughout the season. 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.
