✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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The 2026 season marks a reset at the top for UCLA, with Bob Chesney taking over after leading James Madison to a Sun Belt title and College Football Playoff appearance. Chesney and his staff also retained quarterback Nico Iamaleava along with several other key players from the 2025 roster. The transition came amid broader investment in UCLA Athletics, which reported more than $41 million in private support during fiscal 2025–26.
From a TV standpoint, Big Ten Network leads the way with at least three UCLA broadcasts this season. ESPN and FOX will also televise games. Several later-season start times and network assignments remain TBD, so we’ll update this guide as additional TV details are announced.
This guide walks you through how to watch UCLA Bruins football, from the full TV schedule and viewing options to answers for the most common questions Bruins fans have.
2026 UCLA Bruins football TV schedule
UCLA’s 2026 schedule features seven home games and five road games, with Big Ten play stretching from the Rose Bowl to some of the conference’s most recognizable venues. The back half includes UCLA’s first trip to Michigan Stadium since 1996, while the annual Battle for L.A. against USC closes the regular season at home.
Check the table below for the latest Bruins kickoff times and TV assignments. We’ll keep it updated as the Big Ten and its broadcast partners announce additional details.
CFB - UCLA Bruins Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 10:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 7:15 p.m. | ||
Purdue Boilermakers | Saturday, Sept. 19 | 11:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 1:30 p.m. | ||
At Oregon Ducks | Saturday, Oct. 10 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Saturday, Oct. 17 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Oct. 24 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Oct. 31 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 7 | TBD | TBD | |
Friday, Nov. 13 | 9:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Nov. 21 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 28 | TBD | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching UCLA Bruins football
UCLA fans have several ways to follow the Bruins, but a full-featured live TV service provides the most complete coverage as network assignments change throughout the season. FOX One is a lower-cost option for games on Big Ten Network and FOX, plus any additional FS1 assignments, but it won’t cover UCLA games airing through other broadcasters.
From channel selection to cost and overall experience, we considered the factors that matter most when making these recommendations.
Best Overall
YouTube TV carries UCLA’s currently confirmed linear channels and gives Bruins fans room to add more networks later in the season. Its Sports Plan also includes unlimited DVR storage and multiview, making it a strong all-in-one choice for fans who want broad college football coverage without stacking multiple services.
Best Value
FOX One is the most affordable way to watch UCLA’s confirmed games on Big Ten Network and FOX, along with potential appearances on FS1. Plans start at $19.99/mo. You can also add B1G+ for additional Big Ten events and full or condensed football replays, though B1G+ doesn’t carry live regular-season football games.
How to watch UCLA Bruins football FAQ
Where can I watch the UCLA Bruins for free?
You can stream a few UCLA games for free thanks to free trials from DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. A digital antenna can also deliver any college football game that airs on your local ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC station at no extra cost.
Where can I stream UCLA Bruins games if I don't have cable?
YouTube TV and FOX One are both strong cable-free options for UCLA games. YouTube TV offers broader live TV coverage, while FOX One is a lower-cost option for games on Big Ten Network, FOX, and FS1.
Can I watch UCLA Bruins football on Peacock?
Potentially. NBC's Big Ten broadcasts stream on Peacock, and the service carries select Peacock-exclusive conference games. Whether UCLA appears on Peacock depends on weekly TV assignments, so check the schedule table above for the latest availability.
How do I watch UCLA Bruins football if I live out of state?
Living outside California doesn't change the main viewing setup. You can use the same national channels and streaming services listed above, though local broadcast availability can differ by market.
Why you should trust us
David Vick, our Contributing Writer, cross-referenced this season’s UCLA football schedule with major TV 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.
