✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
DIRECTV is the easiest way to watch all your football in one place
Did you know that DIRECTV is the preferred streaming service of true-blue sports fans? In fact, a staggering 97% of DIRECTV streaming subscribers reported high satisfaction with their live sports viewing experience. And if you're a rabid football fan, DIRECTV delivers more football channels than competitors, an industry-leading multiview experience, and even free ESPN Unlimited. Those are just some of the many reasons why the CableTV.com editorial staff recommends DIRECTV as the best streaming service for sports. What are you waiting for? Try DIRECTV free for five days and don't miss a single snap of your favorite football teams.
After a disappointing 3–9 finish in 2025, San Jose State head coach Ken Niumatalolo overhauled his coaching staff. He dismissed multiple assistants and promoted Bojay Filimoeatu to full-time defensive coordinator, entrusting him to fix a unit that gave up 25 or more points in all but one game a year ago. The Spartans also added a wave of transfers, including seven players from Power 4 schools.
MW+ streams six San Jose State games this season, three of which are also airing on NBC Sports Bay Area. When it comes to national linear channels, CBS Sports Network leads the way with four Spartans games. ESPN+, FS1, and NBC also carry a game apiece.
This guide covers everything you need to watch San Jose State Spartans football in 2026, from the season opener in L.A. to the finale some 340 miles northwest in San Jose.
2026 San Jose State football TV schedule
Twelve games weren’t enough for San Jose State in 2026, so the Spartans have a 13-game regular season for the first time since 2017. The schedule features seven games at CEFCU Stadium and an eight-game Mountain West slate, with conference play stretching from Hawaii in October through UNLV in late November.
Check the table below for every finalized start time and TV partner.
CFB - San Jose State Spartans Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
At USC Trojans | Saturday, August 29 | 3:00 p.m. | |
Friday, Sept. 4 | 6:30 p.m. | ||
Cal Poly Mustangs | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 9:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 11:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 11:59 p.m. | ||
Friday, Oct. 9 | 9:00 p.m. | ||
At UTEP Miners | Saturday, Oct. 17 | 9:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 5:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 31 | TBD | ||
Saturday, Nov. 7 | TBD | ||
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
North Dakota State Bison | Friday, Nov. 27 | 3:30 p.m. |
Best TV plans for watching San Jose State football
The viewing setup for San Jose State’s football season is just as varied as the channel lineup. With games spread across three linear channels and two streaming-only platforms, you’ll need three subscriptions on your radar: MW+, a live TV provider, and ESPN Unlimited.
Our recommendations below reflect the availability, cost, and usability approach detailed in our Editorial Policy.
Best Standalone Option
MW+, the Mountain West Conference’s digital streaming platform, is the exclusive home of six San Jose State games this season. That’s the same number of games that’ll appear on linear TV. You can choose a monthly plan for $10.99/mo. or save with the annual plan, which costs $79.99. The annual plan is perfect for those who follow other San Jose State athletics.
Best Live TV Plan
The YouTube TV Sports Plan is your best option for SJSU’s games on CBS Sports Network, FS1, and NBC. In addition to those channels, you can take advantage of sports-friendly features like Multiview and Key Plays to make game day even better.
Best for ESPN Coverage
If you’re one of the many San Jose State die-hard fans out there who doesn’t want to miss a single game, you need ESPN Unlimited. Some TV providers, including YouTube TV, include complimentary ESPN Unlimited access with eligible plans, while a standalone subscription is also available for fans who need it separately.
How to watch San Jose State football FAQ
Can I watch San Jose State football for free?
You can watch several San Jose State Spartans games with free trials from DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. An over-the-air antenna is all you need for games that air on your local ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC stations.
Where can I stream San Jose State football without cable?
As we recommended above, MW+ and YouTube TV's Sports Plan are the two best cable-free viewing options for San Jose State football games. Together, they cover the Spartans' MW+ assignments, national TV games, and ESPN+ coverage through YouTube TV's included ESPN Unlimited access.
Is NBC Sports Bay Area programming on Peacock?
Yes, NBC Sports Bay Area programming is available on Peacock as an add-on subscription for Select, Premium, and Premium Plus plans.
Do I need NBC Sports Bay Area to watch San Jose State football?
No. All three San Jose State games airing on NBC Sports Bay Area are also simulcast on MW+, so you don't need an NBC Sports Bay Area subscription to watch those matchups.
Why you should trust us
David Vick, our Contributing Writer, cross-referenced San Jose State’s official 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 for schedule and distribution changes. 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.
