How to Watch NFL and College Football Without Cable

In today’s world, cutting the cord doesn’t mean you have to miss out on NFL and college football games. With numerous streaming services and digital options available, fans can enjoy all the excitement of the gridiron without a traditional cable subscription. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the best ways to watch NFL and college football without cable.

1. Streaming Services

Streaming services have become a popular alternative to cable TV, offering live sports coverage, including NFL and college football games. Here are some of the top options:

a. Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV offers a robust package that includes access to major networks broadcasting NFL and college football games, such as ESPN, CBS, NBC, and Fox. With this service, you can watch live games, replays, and even enjoy Hulu’s vast library of on-demand content. The service includes:

• NFL Games: Access to games broadcasted on ESPN, NBC, Fox, and CBS.
• College Football Games: Coverage of games on ESPN, ABC, and ESPN2.
• Pricing: Typically starts around $69.99 per month.

b. YouTube TV

YouTube TV is another excellent option for watching NFL and college football. It provides live streams of major channels such as ESPN, CBS, NBC, Fox, and NFL Network. Some key features include:

• NFL Games: Coverage from channels like NBC, CBS, Fox, and ESPN.
• College Football Games: Access to games broadcast on ESPN networks and more.
• Pricing: Generally around $72.99 per month.
• DVR Functionality: Allows recording of games for later viewing.

c. Sling TV

Sling TV offers a more customizable approach to streaming, with packages that can be tailored to include channels broadcasting NFL and college football games. Key packages include:

• Sling Orange + Blue Package: Includes ESPN, NBC, and Fox.
• Sling Blue Package: Offers Fox and NBC.
• Pricing: Sling Orange + Blue starts at $50 per month.

d. FuboTV

FuboTV is renowned for its comprehensive sports coverage, making it a top choice for football fans. It includes:

• NFL Games: Broadcasts from CBS, Fox, NBC, and NFL Network.
• College Football Games: Coverage on ESPN networks and more.
• Pricing: Starts at approximately $74.99 per month.
• Cloud DVR: Option to record games and watch later.

2. Network Apps and Websites

Many networks that broadcast NFL and college football games offer their own streaming apps and websites where you can watch games live. However, these usually require a subscription or a sign-in with a participating TV provider.

a. ESPN App

The ESPN App provides live streaming of college football games broadcasted on ESPN channels. You will need a subscription to a streaming service or cable provider that includes ESPN.

b. NBC Sports App

The NBC Sports App allows streaming of NFL games broadcast on NBC. Access requires a subscription to a service that includes NBC.

c. Fox Sports App

Fox Sports App offers live streams of NFL and college football games broadcast on Fox. A subscription to a service with Fox channels is required.

3. Digital Antennas

For those who prefer a more traditional approach, a digital antenna can pick up over-the-air signals for local channels such as NBC, CBS, and Fox. This is a cost-effective way to watch games broadcasted on these networks without a cable subscription.

• Benefits: No monthly fees, one-time purchase cost.
• Limitations: Limited to local channels.

4. NFL Game Pass

NFL Game Pass provides access to NFL games, including live out-of-market games and on-demand replays. However, this service does not include live coverage of in-market games due to broadcast restrictions.

• Features: Full game replays, condensed games, and access to NFL Network content.
• Pricing: Generally around $99.99 per year.

5. College Football Streaming Services

Several platforms specialize in college football, offering coverage of various conferences and games.

a. ESPN+

ESPN+ provides access to a wide range of college football games, particularly from smaller conferences. It’s a great addition for fans who want to catch games that might not be available on major networks.

• Pricing: Approximately $9.99 per month.
• Features: Exclusive content and games from lesser-known conferences.

b. Paramount+

Paramount+ offers coverage of college football games from the SEC (Southeastern Conference). It’s an ideal option for fans of SEC football.

• Pricing: Starts around $5.99 per month.
• Features: Live games and on-demand content from CBS.

6. Social Media and Other Platforms

While not a replacement for full-game coverage, social media platforms and sports websites often provide live updates, highlights, and game summaries.

a. Twitter

Twitter offers live updates, highlights, and sometimes live streams of game moments through official accounts and media partners.

b. Facebook

Facebook may have live streams or updates from sports networks and official team pages.

7. Considerations for Choosing a Service

When selecting a streaming service or platform, consider the following factors:

• Coverage: Ensure the service includes the channels and games you want to watch.
• Pricing: Compare costs and features to find the best value.
• Device Compatibility: Check if the service is compatible with your devices (smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, etc.).
• DVR Capabilities: Look for services that offer DVR functionality if you want to record games.

Conclusion

Watching NFL and college football without cable is more accessible than ever with a variety of streaming services, digital options, and network apps. Whether you choose a comprehensive streaming package like Hulu + Live TV or FuboTV, use network apps for specific games, or rely on a digital antenna for local broadcasts, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to the action. Explore your options, and enjoy the thrill of football season without the need for traditional cable TV.