✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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UCF began 2026 in year two of Scott Frost’s second stint in Orlando with a roster that looked a lot different from the one he inherited. Transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III headlined the incoming class after earning Sun Belt Player of the Year honors at James Madison, while Frost retained all three coordinators from his first season back. After a 5–7 campaign in 2025, the Knights have a mix of continuity and new faces as they try to climb the Big 12.
UCF’s confirmed TV schedule spans ESPN platforms and FOX Sports, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+, and FS1. TNT Sports is another Big 12 broadcast partner, so it’s possible it’ll pick up a game or two later in the season.
This guide goes over how to watch UCF Knights football, whether you’re following the Knights locally or from afar. You should also check out How To Watch College Football for the whole FBS viewing picture.
2026 UCF Knights football TV schedule
UCF gets five Big 12 home games this season, giving the Knights plenty of opportunities to build momentum at the Acrisure Bounce House. The back half of the schedule mixes those home dates with several conference road trips before the regular season closes at Colorado.
Check the table below for confirmed kickoff times and TV channels as the Big 12 finalizes its remaining assignments.
CFB - UCF Knights Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Bethune-Cookman Wildcats | Thursday, Sept. 3 | 7:00 p.m. | |
At Pittsburgh Panthers | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 3:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 3 | Noon | ||
Saturday, Oct. 10 | Noon | ||
Saturday, Oct. 24 | TBD | TBD | |
Friday, Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 7 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 14 | TBD | TBD | |
Friday, Nov. 20 | 6:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 28 | TBD | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching UCF Knights football
YouTube TV is the cleanest all-in-one option for UCF’s confirmed schedule. Its Sports Plan carries ESPN and FS1, while ESPN Unlimited is integrated directly into YouTube TV plans that include ESPN, covering ESPN+ assignments without a separate subscription.
ESPN Unlimited is a useful standalone alternative if your priority is UCF’s ESPN coverage, but you’ll need another option for FS1 games. We outline both viewing recommendations below.
Best Overall
If the AP Top 25 existed for live TV providers, YouTube TV would be near the top of our ballot. Its Sports Plan includes every channel UCF will appear on this season. Add unlimited DVR and multiview capabilities, and you’ve got yourself a winning setup.
Best Standalone Option
ESPN Unlimited puts Knights fans in the middle of the action with access to multiple UCF games, including ESPN+ exclusives. You’ll also get access to every college football game on The CW, adding even more gridiron coverage to your lineup. With both monthly and annual plans available, you can tailor your subscription to your season-long viewing needs.
How to watch UCF Knights football FAQ
Where can I watch the UCF Knights for free?
You can stream some UCF Knights games for free by using free trials offered by DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.
Where can I stream UCF Knights games if I don't have cable?
YouTube TV is our best all-in-one option because its Sports Plan includes ESPN and FS1, while ESPN Unlimited content is integrated directly into plans containing ESPN. Hulu + Live TV is another broad live TV option and includes ESPN Unlimited access.
Can I watch UCF Knights football with FOX One?
Yes. FOX One includes FS1, so it can carry UCF games assigned to that network. The Knights have multiple FS1 assignments on their schedule.
How do I watch UCF Knights football if I live out of state?
Out-of-state Knights fans can watch through the same national and conference outlets listed in the schedule table above. College football broadcast rights are built around national, conference, and streaming agreements rather than a local-market blackout system.
Why you should trust us
David Vick, our Contributing Writer, cross-referenced UCF’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 the schedule as Big 12 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.
