✦ Edited and fact-checked by David Vick, our Contributing Writer, with over five years covering sports.
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UMass’ second season back in the Mid-American Conference already looks much different from its first. After going winless in 2025, the Minutemen opened 2026 with four straight victories for their best start since 2007. Virginia Tech transfer William “Pop” Watson III has played a central role in the turnaround after arriving home to Massachusetts during an offseason roster overhaul.
The Minutemen’s confirmed 2026 TV assignments span Big Ten Network, ESPN+, and CBS Sports Network. Additional MAC games can land across ESPN platforms or CBS Sports Network as the remaining assignments are finalized.
This guide walks you through how to watch UMass Minutemen football, including the team’s TV schedule and the best streaming options. For a nationwide college football viewing picture, check out How To Watch College Football.
2026 UMass football TV schedule
UMass’ 12-game schedule features eight MAC matchups and four nonconference games, including a Friday-night rivalry trip to UConn. The conference slate also brings three straight Wednesday-night MACtion games in November before the regular-season finale at Bowling Green.
Use the table below to find every available kickoff time and TV assignment.
CFB - UMass Minutemen Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
At Rutgers Scarlet Knights | Thursday, Sept. 3 | 6:00 p.m. | |
Sacred Heart Pioneers | Saturday, Sept. 12 | 3:30 p.m. | |
Stonehill Skyhawks | Saturday, Sept. 19 | 3:30 p.m. | |
At Sacramento State Hornets | Saturday, Sept. 26 | 9:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Oct. 3 | 3:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 10 | 2:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Oct. 17 | TBD | TBD | |
Friday, Oct. 23 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Nov. 4 | TBD | TBD | |
Wednesday, Nov. 11 | TBD | TBD | |
Wednesday, Nov. 18 | TBD | TBD | |
Saturday, Nov. 28 | Noon | TBD |
Best TV plans for watching UMass Minutemen football
An ESPN Unlimited subscription is a nonnegotiable for UMass fans this college football season. With all but two games on the platform, it’s the most logical and affordable way to watch. As for the two matchups on Big Ten Network (BTN) and CBS Sports Network (CBSSN), sign up for a live TV provider or take advantage of free trials.
We made our recommendations using the same channel, pricing, and usability standards outlined in our Editorial Policy. If you want to compare more options before committing to a plan, visit Best Streaming Services for Sports.
Best Value
By bringing together ESPN’s linear networks and ESPN+ in one subscription, ESPN Unlimited eliminates the hassle — and the cost — of juggling multiple streaming services throughout the season. With so many UMass games airing on ESPN platforms, this is the most cost-effective way to enjoy UMass football in 2026.
Best Live TV Plan
If you’re looking for a live TV provider to watch UMass’ games on BTN and CBSSN, YouTube TV is our top choice. At a lower price than competing providers, its Sports Plan offers the core channels you need to watch the Minutemen and plenty of other college football action. Plus, it has a user-friendly interface that makes browsing super easy.
How to watch UMass Minutemen football FAQ
Can I watch UMass Minutemen football for free?
Free viewing options depend on where each game airs. Eligible viewers can use free trials from services such as DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV for short-term access to UMass' live TV channels. Trial availability and lengths can vary.
Where can I stream UMass football without cable?
The YouTube TV Sports Plan is our preferred cable-free option because it covers UMass' FOX Sports, CBS Sports, and ESPN assignments, plus ESPN Unlimited access. A standalone ESPN Unlimited subscription is another option if you're primarily interested in games carried by ESPN platforms.
Can I watch UMass Minutemen football on Paramount+?
No, you cannot watch UMass Minutemen football on Paramount+. The service doesn't include CBS Sports Network, so it won't cover games assigned to the channel.
Can I watch every UMass game with ESPN Unlimited?
Not necessarily. ESPN Unlimited covers games assigned across ESPN platforms, including ESPN+, but it doesn't include Big Ten Network or CBS Sports Network. You'll need another viewing option for games carried by those channels.
Why you should trust us
David Vick, our Contributing Writer, cross-referenced UMass’ 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.
