✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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UAB began a new chapter in 2026 with Alex Mortensen in his first full season as head coach after serving as interim coach for the final six games of 2025. His interim stint opened with a 31–24 upset of No. 22 Memphis, a game in which Ryder Burton made his first collegiate start and threw three touchdown passes. Burton returned atop the depth chart in 2026, giving Mortensen and the Blazers some continuity as they work to build stability in Birmingham.
UAB’s confirmed TV schedule spans Big Ten Network and ESPN’s channels and streaming platforms, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN+. Several later-season assignments remain TBD and will be set through The American’s 12-day and six-day selection processes, so we’ll update this guide as additional TV details are announced.
This guide covers how to watch UAB Blazers football, including the full TV schedule and our picks for the best ways to tune in all season. You can also check out How To Watch College Football for the broader FBS viewing picture.
2026 UAB Blazers TV schedule
UAB’s 2026 schedule features six home games and six road games, with four nonconference matchups followed by an eight-game American slate. Conference play brings Navy, East Carolina, Charlotte, and UTSA to Protective Stadium, while the Blazers travel to Memphis, South Florida, Temple, and North Texas.
Check the table below for the latest kickoff times and TV assignments. The American fills many remaining Saturday windows through 12-day or six-day selections, so we’ll keep the schedule updated as additional network details are announced.
CFB - UAB Blazers Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Thursday, Sept. 3 | 9:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 3:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Sept. 25 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Samford Bulldogs | Saturday, Oct. 3 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Thursday, Oct. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 31 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 7 | TBD | TBD | |
At Temple Owls | Saturday, Nov. 14 | TBD | TBD |
Saturday, Nov. 21 | TBD | TBD | |
At North Texas Mean Green | Saturday, Nov. 28 | TBD | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching UAB Blazers football
UAB’s schedule is anchored by ESPN’s channel lineup, making ESPN Unlimited a useful standalone option for many Blazers games. Later-season assignments remain TBD, though, so a broader live TV service offers more flexibility if additional games land outside the ESPN ecosystem.
From channel selection to cost and overall experience, we considered the factors that matter most when making these recommendations. You can also browse Best Streaming Services for Sports to see more options.
Best Overall
ESPN Unlimited saves you the hassle and cost of bouncing between multiple streaming services. And with all but one UAB game on an ESPN channel/platform this season, it’s the simplest way to watch every snap. Plans start at $31.99/mo.
Best Live TV Provider
Outside of UAB’s season opener at Illinois, you don’t need a live TV provider. However, if you want one, YouTube TV is the best option on the market. At a lower price than competing providers, its Sports Plan includes the core channels you need to enjoy all the chaos this college football season.
How to watch UAB Blazers football FAQ
Where can I watch the UAB Blazers for free?
You can watch a handful of UAB Blazers games for free by signing up for free trials from DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. Trial availability and length can change, so check each provider's current offer before signing up.
Where can I stream UAB Blazers games if I don't have cable?
If you're looking to watch the Blazers without traditional cable, ESPN Unlimited and YouTube TV are two options to consider. Hulu + Live TV rounds out the choices with the major college football channels and ESPN Unlimited included.
Can I watch UAB Blazers football with ESPN Unlimited?
Yes, ESPN Unlimited carries UAB games assigned to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN+. Games that air on networks outside ESPN's lineup require a separate viewing option, so check the schedule above for each matchup.
How do I watch UAB Blazers football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state Blazers fans can use the same national channels and streaming services listed above. Check the schedule table for the latest network assignment for each game.
Why you should trust us
David Vick, our Contributing Writer, cross-referenced UAB’s official football schedule with major TV providers’ channel lineups to build these viewing recommendations, weighing channel availability, pricing, and ease of use. We update this guide regularly as additional TV assignments are announced. 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.
