If you want to watch college football for free without cable, you have a couple of options. First, you can always take advantage of free trials for streaming platforms like FuboTV or YouTube TV.
U.S. fans might also want to try out a digital TV antenna, which picks up over-the-air signals from many channels that broadcast college football games. Unfortunately, these only work in the U.S. and with televisions, so fans looking to live stream college football on other devices will need alternative methods.
No matter where you are in the world, you can catch all of the gridiron action of American college football online by following these quick steps:
College football fans have come to the right place. We’ve broken down the ways you can live stream all the football you can handle, the best college football streaming platforms, and how to take advantage of free trials so you can watch your favorite games at no cost, no matter your location.
The American college football season brings one thing to mind for most fans: football watch parties with friends and family. From buffalo wings and a big screen to tailgating outside the stadium, watching college football is a whole vibe.
But what if you’re traveling away from your hometown or live outside of your favorite team’s state or even the U.S.? How do you catch all of the gridiron action?
If you’re looking for details on the 2022-2023 college football season or how to watch college football without cable, you’re in the right place.
How to Watch College Football Without Cable
If you have cut cable or are unable to access your normal cable connection, there are still several ways to watch college football live:
- Watch college football on television. Whether you have cable television or not, you can still access a local TV channel via a digital antenna. You can get a really effective one here that will pick up channels that have college football for free. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option in most countries outside the USA.
- Watch a regional college football live stream. Both the US and Canada have streams available for select NCAA football games. In the US, streamers such as FOX Sports have broadcasting rights and offer streams of college football games. While in Canada, providers such as TSN Direct stream American football games.
- Use a VPN to watch college football games. If you find yourself outside of the US or Canada or you live outside of a region that broadcasts the specific NCAA game you want to watch, you can still tune in. If you use a virtual private network (VPN), you can bypass geographical restrictions to watch free local streams of college football. With a broad range of servers, NordVPN is a great option to choose to stream college football online.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
How to Stream NCAA Football for Free (In the U.S.)
To watch American college football for free, your best bet is to get a digital antenna. We like the Gesobyte HD digital TV antenna, but feel free to shop around. In the United States, major media companies like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX— all of which carry college football games — still have over-the-air broadcast signals like in the days of old.
You plug these kinds of antennas directly into your TV’s HDMI or can set them up on Smart TVs, so you can still pick up your local feeds and catch any games that are being broadcast. They also work with Amazon Firestick and even old-school television sets.
How to watch college football free from anywhere in the world
If you want to watch American college football free streams from anywhere, you’ll need a VPN to change your IP address and access an online stream. The NCAA season is already underway, so move fast if you don’t want to miss a game.
Follow the steps below to start streaming college football with a VPN this Saturday:
- Find the right VPN for your college football streaming needs. We recommend NordVPN because it’s fast enough to stream without buffering.
- Purchase your subscription, create your account, and download the NordVPN software.
- Open the NordVPN app and sign into the account created in the previous step.
- Choose a VPN server in the US or Canada. Either could work, but your best bet is a location in the US. Try to pick the closest server to you geographically, as that will guarantee as little lag as possible.
- Open any college football streaming service. For the widest college football coverage, we recommend Sling TV. If you’re interested in watching for free, you can use FuboTV‘s free seven-day trial.
- Grab your favorite snacks, start the stream, and enjoy the game!
Where to Watch College Football for Free
Watching college football is something typically only enjoyed by Americans and Canadians. This, along with geographical restrictions, means limited global streaming options. Fortunately, there are still a lot of college football streams online and on streaming apps available around the globe with a VPN.
While no free option will give you access to all college football games, there are free college football streaming platforms that can provide you with the most games without an additional cost.
Free college football streams
Curious about how to watch college football for free? The channels we list below don’t ask for anything extra on college football streams. However, if you don’t already have cable, or a streaming site subscription, you will need to pay for that.
| Channel | Type | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| ABC Sports | AAC, ACC, Big 12 | Free with a cable or Hulu subscription |
| ACC Network | ACC | Free with a cable, SlingTV, or Hulu subscription |
| Big Sky Conference | Various | PlutoTV |
| Big 12 Digital Network | Big 12 | Audio and some video |
| CBS Sports | SEC | Available in the US |
| Fox Sports | Big 12, Big 10, Pac-12, SEC | Free with a cable or Hulu subscription |
| MAC Digital Network | Mid-American | Audio and some video |
| Mountain West Network | Mountain West | Online, YouTube, and Twitch |
| Pac-12 Networks | Pac-12, Mountain West | Online, FuboTV, and SlingTV |
| RDS | Most ESPN Games (Canada) | Online with Cable Subscription (French) |
| SEC Network | SEC, Sun Belt | Online and ESPN with Cable or Hulu Subscription |
| Stadium | Conference USA | Online, FuboTV, and Twitch |
| TSN | Most ESPN Games (Canada) | Online with Cable Subscription |
Paid NCAA college football streams
A safer bet to stream NCAA football is to buy a subscription to a paid service like Sling TV or ESPN+. College football games are available on these sites:
| Channel | Includes |
|---|---|
| ESPN | Most Games Except FBS |
| FuboTV | CBS Sports Network, Big Ten Network, FOX Sports, and Pac-12 Networks |
| Hulu with Live TV | ACC, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Fox Sport 1 and 2, and SEC Network |
| Sling TV | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2, ACC Network, NBC Sports, SEC Network, SEC Network+, Pac-12 Networks, and ESPN U |
| YouTube TV | Big Ten Network, CBS Sports, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, and SEC Network |
How to Watch College Football On Sling TV
SlingTV is a great choice if you want to watch American programming without cable. They stream big US TV channels like ESPN, Fox, NBC Sports, and more. To watch college football online on Sling TV you’ll have to:
- Get a VPN. We recommend NordVPN thanks to its lightning-fast connection speeds, perfect for streaming live sports.
- Download and install the VPN application.
- Connect to a server in the US. The NordVPN app will automatically connect you to the fastest server.
- Go to Sling TV and sign-up for an account. Make sure you use a US card to pay for your subscription. SlingTV won’t let you sign-up without one. If you don’t have a US payment method, you can try to use gift cards. A SlingTV Orange subscription plan should cover your college football needs for $40 a month, though they usually offer sign-up promotions for new customers.
- Open SlingTV before a game is about to start.
- Tune into one of the sports channels that stream the upcoming game.
- Enjoy the action!
How to Watch College Football on ESPN+
Of course, college football fans will know all about ESPN. But did you know it has its own streaming platform? Like Sling TV, ESPN+ doesn’t require a US cable subscription, and you can use it to watch college football online. Here’s what you need to do:
- Subscribe to a VPN service. NordVPN is always a smart pick.
- Download and install the VPN app.
- Connect to a US VPN server.
- Open ESPN+ and sign up for an account. You can get ESPN+ on its own for $9.99/month, or in a package with Disney+ and Hulu for $13.99/month. Like SlingTV, ESPN+ only works with a US payment method.
- Open ESPN+ whenever an NCAA game is scheduled to start. You can even download the ESPN app on your phone or TV. Just make sure any device you use it on is also connected to the VPN server.
- Enjoy the game!
You may be able to watch live college football games for free on ESPN’s site. Just browse the streams and pick one without the “ESPN+” logo in the bottom-right corner. Those games will be free to stream, so you only need a VPN connection to a US server to watch the game. But unfortunately, these matchups are not usually the exciting clashes everyone wants to tune into.
How to Watch Live College Football Games on Hulu Live TV
Hulu Live TV features a ton of American channels that stream NCAA college football games. From ABC and the ACC Network to FOX Sports, you can tune into a lot of US channels with a Hulu Live TV subscription. Here’s how to do that, even if you’re not in the US:
- Get a VPN subscription. NordVPN is the best pick for watching college football from anywhere.
- Download and install the VPN app on your PC or mobile device.
- Connect to a server in the US. If you use NordVPN, you just need to pick the country, and you’ll automatically be connected to the fastest server.
- Sign up for a Hulu Live TV account. At the time of writing, you can get a Hulu Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+ bundle subscription for $69.99/month. Just remember that you’ll need a US payment method to sign up.
- Open Hulu Live TV when your game is scheduled to begin.
- Tune into one of the sports channels that streams that day’s games. ABC, the ACC Network and FOX are all great picks.
- Enjoy the show!
How to Watch College Football on YouTube TV
YouTube TV is probably the best pick if you want the complete US cable experience, but online. It’s a bit more expensive than our other entries, but it’s worth it. With YouTube TV, you can watch channels like Fox, ESPN, CBS, and ABC. Here’s how to do it even if you don’t live in the US:
- Get a trusty VPN. NordVPN is a great option for accessing YouTube TV.
- Download and install NordVPN (or the VPN app you chose) on your computer.
- Connect to NordVPN’s US server.
- Create a new YouTube account. This might work with your existing account, especially if you created it in the US. But to be 100% safe this works, we recommend creating a new account.
- Subscribe to YouTube TV. You’ll need a US card, and it’ll cost you $64.99 a month. The platform, however, usually runs an extensive free trial and limited-time promos.
- Open YouTube TV when a game is about to start.
- Tune into a sports channel carrying your matchup.
- Enjoy the game!
How to Watch College Football on FuboTV
FuboTV was created with sports fans in mind, so they’ve pretty much got college football covered. They offer hundreds of channels across various packages and tiers. If you want a comprehensive US cable experience online, you can give it a try — they usually run a free seven-day trial. Here’s how to access FuboTV from anywhere:
- Subscribe to a VPN provider. NordVPN pairs excellently with American streaming services like FuboTV.
- Download and install the VPN application on whatever device you want to use to stream NCAA games.
- Connect to a server in the US. NordVPN will automatically connect you to the fastest server. If you use other VPNs, pick the US server that’s closest to your location.
- Create a FuboTV account. You need a US payment method, and it’ll cost you $69.99/month.
- Tune into FuboTV whenever you want to watch a college football game.
- Enjoy the match!
The Best VPN to Watch College Football Online
If you want to watch your favorite college football team beat their rivals outside of the US or Canada, you’ll need a fast VPN with the right servers. When choosing a VPN provider for streaming college football online, it’s important to choose one with servers in the regions where the games are broadcast. You’ll also need a VPN provider with fast, reliable connections to ensure you never miss a single play. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself blocked by geo-restrictions or missing pivotal moments due to buffering.
Lastly, when choosing a VPN to watch college football online, choose a provider with a user-friendly installation and interface. That way, you don’t spend hours on installation or connecting to the right servers and end up missing the big game. Based on these criteria, we’ve chosen a few great options below to watch NCAA college football from anywhere.
We wanted to also mention that, while there are also free VPNs with American or Canadian servers, these VPN providers typically have data or speed limits. This makes them not the best option to stream college football online.
1. NordVPN: Best overall for streaming college football
Features:
- 1,970+ U.S. servers, 480+ in Canada
- Unblocks SlingTV, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV and other platforms
- One of the fastest streaming VPNs available
NordVPN is one of our top 5 VPN providers because of its speed and ability to circumnavigate geo-restrictions. It’s got plenty of American servers, over 1,970, to choose from in locations across the country, so finding one closest to your real location won’t be an issue. Even if you’re in Japan, a Los Angeles-based server would get the job done for HD sports streaming.
Not only is it known for its high-speed service, reasonable prices, and impressive amount of servers, additionally, NordVPN has excellent customer service and offers their customers a 30-day money-back guarantee to give them time to test out the service.
We’ve tested NordVPN extensively, and it’s done excellent with American-based streaming services, from Sling TV and FuboTV for sports, to Netflix and Disney+ for binge-watching other programs when the game’s over. If you want to invest in a reliable and relatively affordable VPN, NordVPN’s a smart pick.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
2. Surfshark: Fast, low-cost way to watch college football
Features:
- 600+ U.S. servers, 120+ in Canada
- Unblocks streaming platforms for college football
- Now one of the fastest services on the market
Surfshark is another great VPN provider for college football fans. It’s a fast VPN with enough US servers to stream college football without an issue. It works with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux, so you’ll be able to access any live TV streaming service from any device.
Surfshark also accepts more payment options than other VPNs, including Paypal, credit card, and cryptocurrency. Additionally, it offers a money-back guarantee for your first 30 days if you’re not satisfied with its services.
Even with all of that, one of the best features of Surfshark is its ability to activate unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can use Surfshark to connect from your smart TV, laptop, phone, and tablet all at the same time. Now, that’s the way to stream football from anywhere.
- Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
- 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
- Cheap with many extra options
3. IPVanish: College football streaming without lag
Features:
- 1,300 + servers in North America
- Accesses geo-restricted content with ease
- Lightning-fast streaming speeds and connections
IPVanish is one of the fastest VPNs available currently. Buffering with IPVanish is almost non-existent, which makes it a great option for streaming live sports. But that’s not even the biggest reason IPVanish is in our top three for watching NCAA games online. With over 1,300 North American servers, you will be hard-pressed to find an NCAA college football stream that you can’t access.
While IPVanish doesn’t offer a 30-day money-back guarantee like NordVPN and Surfshark, but they do offer a seven-day money-back guarantee and discounts for extended plans. Try out the service for this weekend’s game and see if IPVanish is the right choice for you!
- Fast and stable servers
- Torrenting is possible
- The app keeps connection logs
Why Should You Use a VPN to Stream NCAA Games?
While VPNs are a must-have to stream college football from anywhere, the benefits of using a VPN don’t stop there.
Unlocking content
While the United States doesn’t censor most websites, other countries routinely block access to certain websites, services, or even social media. Additionally, content can be blocked because of streaming rights, which means if you travel, you might not have access to your favorite shows or sporting events.
A VPN is the best way to get around these restrictions. And since VPNs obscure the user’s location and encrypt their traffic, governments and businesses cannot track you online.
Anonymous browsing
VPNs offer anonymity in today’s online world. By directing your traffic through encrypted VPN servers, you get an anonymous IP address. To the sites you visit, you’ll appear to be connecting from a different system, country, or even continent. This allows you to browse the internet without having your browsing data sold to the highest bidder.
Online security
On top of anonymity from marketing companies, VPNs provide users with another level of security when surfing the web. Our everyday online activities, such as online shopping, social media, and even reading articles, give cybercriminals a large amount of personal information to use against us.
However, you can use a VPN to hide your location and encrypt your information, reducing the possible information left behind for cybercriminals.
College Football Playoff Selection
With the college football season winding down, Sunday, Dec. 4 marks the College Football Playoff Selection Day.
The series will see the No. 1 ranked team face off against No. 4, and the No. 2 and No. 3-ranked teams clash in semifinal games. These rotate each year among six bowl games — with this season’s semifinals set for Sat., Dec. 31, 2022 at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
Los Angeles will play host to the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023 at SoFi Stadium.
Conclusion: How to Watch College Football Without Cable
Pushing a few buttons on your remote and tuning into NCAA matches on TV is admittedly simple. Don’t forget, if you’re looking to watch college football for free in the U.S., it’s worth trying grabbing a digital TV antenna. If you’re not interested in taking that route, or you’re out of the U.S., you’ll need some workarounds.
Our recommendation is a reliable one-two combination: A good VPN with a strong network of American servers, and the streaming service of your choice. The two that always work for us are:
If you’re interested in watching college football online, chances are you might be interested in a few of our other sports guides. For all your NFL streaming needs, we’ve compiled a guide of the 12 best free NFL streaming sites. Whether it’s pro or college football you’re watching, once the season’s over, you may be interested in our full guide on how to watch the NBA online.
Do you have any questions about streaming college football games online? Below are some of the most common questions.
The easiest way to watch college football for free is to set up a digital TV antenna and pick up those over-the-air signals major broadcast companies still offer. Alternatively, for live streaming, you could take advantage of some free trials from streaming platforms like FuboTV and YouTube TV. We show you how in our full guide to watching college football online.
You can watch college football live with several paid and free streaming sites. These include FOX Sports, ESPN+, SlingTV, Hulu with Live TV, and FuboTV. Watching live college football without cable is possible with these providers and more. We’ve broken it down for you in our full guide on watching college football from anywhere.
To stream the SEC Network, go to the SEC website, secsports.com. You’ll need to enter your cable provider information. You can also access the SEC Network on ESPN+, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV or Sling TV subscription.
