College football is more than just a game for many of us, it’s passion, nostalgia, and that weekly ritual of cheering for alma maters and underdog programs alike. With the ever-evolving world of streaming services, fans now find themselves asking: Can I watch college football on Peacock? The short answer is yes, but there’s so much more to it. From exclusive matchups to NBC’s powerhouse coverage, Peacock has emerged as a genuine destination for college football this season.
Let’s break down everything you need to know from the schedule, types of games you’ll find, access details, and why Peacock might be a must-have this fall if you’re a college football fan.
What College Football Games Are on Peacock This Season?
NBC Sports is stepping up its college football game by broadcasting 15 major matchups during the 2025 fall season on NBC and Peacock. What stands out isn’t just the quantity, but the quality. These aren’t filler games; you’ll find top-tier programs and Big Ten showdowns on the platform.
Some notable games include:
- Illinois vs. Western Illinois (Fri., Aug. 29 on Peacock)
- Michigan vs. New Mexico (Sat., Aug. 30 on NBC & Peacock)
- Notre Dame hosting USC (Sat., Oct. 18 on NBC & Peacock)
- Oregon vs. Penn State (Sat., Sept. 27 – Big Ten Saturday Night)
You’re not just getting random broadcasts, you’re getting marquee matchups with schools that have national followings. Notre Dame alone will feature multiple times this season, making Peacock especially valuable for Irish fans. Exclusive games only on Peacock (e.g., Maryland vs. Towson). “Big Ten Saturday Night” returns with Peacock simulcasts. 2025 season includes rivalries, ranked matchups, and Friday night showdowns.
Do You Need a Premium Subscription to Watch Football on Peacock?
This is where many fans get confused and it’s totally fair. Peacock offers a free tier, but when it comes to live sports, especially premium content like college football, you’re going to need Peacock Premium.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Peacock Free: Includes some episodes and shows, but no live sports like football.
- Peacock Premium ($9.99/month): Full access to live sports, including college football games.
- Peacock Premium Plus ($13.99/month): Ad-free option, but the same football access.
Why is it worth it?
- Costs less than a single tailgate snack pack
- Includes not just football, but Premier League, Sunday Night Football, WWE, and more
- You can stream on your phone, smart TV, or even during those long commutes
For under $6 a month, you get multiple ranked college games, and if you’re a Notre Dame or Big Ten follower, it practically pays for itself.
Why is the Peacock Becoming a Hub for Big Ten and Notre Dame Fans?
There’s a real shift happening in how college football is broadcast, and Peacock is at the heart of it, especially if you follow the Big Ten Conference or Notre Dame. With NBC securing deeper ties to these football powerhouses, Peacock is now your go-to streaming platform.
Let’s take a look at what’s drawing fans in:
- Big Ten Saturday Night: These primetime games include top-tier teams like Michigan, Penn State, and Ohio State.
- Exclusive Streaming Rights: Games like Ohio vs. Ohio State is streaming only on Peacock, no cable or NBC access.
- Notre Dame Coverage: If you bleed blue and gold, you’re in luck. From Texas A&M to Navy and USC, every home game is on Peacock and/or NBC.
This strategic partnership between NBC and the Big Ten is changing where the action is. If you’ve got ties to these schools, or love watching them take on rivals, you’ll find yourself tuning in every weekend.
Can You Watch Peacock College Football Outside the U.S.?
This is a common concern among fans living abroad or traveling during football season. Unfortunately, as of now, Peacock’s live sports content including college football is only available in the United States due to licensing restrictions. If you try accessing Peacock from outside the U.S., you’ll likely hit a geo-block message that prevents you from streaming. That said, some viewers do use a trusted VPN service to simulate a U.S. IP address and access their subscriptions, but it’s important to check the terms of use and consider the legalities and risks involved.
NBCUniversal hasn’t yet expanded Peacock to international markets with full sports offerings, though many fans hope that future licensing deals may open up that possibility. For now, if you’re planning a trip abroad during football season and want to catch those Big Ten Saturday Night matchups or a classic Notre Dame rivalry game, you’ll need to plan ahead, whether that means using DVR before you fly out or arranging remote access through family or friends. It’s not the most convenient situation, but for hardcore fans, missing those key games just isn’t an option.
How to Watch College Football on Peacock?
Okay, you’re sold. Now how do you actually start watching? It’s easy even if you’re not a streaming pro.
- Go to peacocktv.com
- Choose the Premium Plan (not the free one). Complete your payment info
- Download the Peacock App Available on smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Android, gaming consoles
- Search for Live Games with Navigating to the Sports section
- Or search for the team name or “college football” on game day
- Tune in at Kickoff Grab your snacks, rep your jersey, and stream in HD
- Missed the Game then Replays and highlights are often available post-broadcast
No cable, no fuss, and most importantly, no missing out on those edge-of-your-seat moments.
2025 College Football Schedule on Peacock:
If you’re the kind of fan who plans weekends around kickoffs or just someone who doesn’t want to miss a single Big Ten banger this schedule is your holy grail. NBC Sports has lined up a strong slate of 15 games this season, and many of them will be available on Peacock either exclusively or through a simulcast with NBC. From early season openers to intense rivalry battles in November, there’s something for every kind of college football fan.
Below is the confirmed 2025 schedule of college football games available on Peacock (as announced by NBC Sports). Whether you bleed maize and blue, follow the Irish, or want to watch emerging teams, this schedule makes it easy to mark your calendar.
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup | Available On |
| Fri., Aug. 29 | 7:30 PM | Western Illinois at Illinois | Peacock |
| Sat., Aug. 30 | 7:30 PM | New Mexico at Michigan | NBC, Peacock |
| Sat., Sept. 6 | 3:30 PM | Miami (OH) at Rutgers | Peacock |
| Sat., Sept. 6 | 7:30 PM | Boston College at Michigan State | NBC, Peacock |
| Sat., Sept. 13 | 12:00 PM | Towson at Maryland | Peacock |
| Sat., Sept. 13 | 7:00 PM | Ohio at Ohio State | Peacock |
| Sat., Sept. 13 | 7:30 PM | Texas A&M at Notre Dame | NBC, Peacock |
| Sat., Sept. 20 | 3:30 PM | Purdue at Notre Dame | NBC, Peacock |
| Sat., Sept. 27 | 7:30 PM | Oregon at Penn State | NBC, Peacock |
| Sat., Oct. 4 | 3:30 PM | Boise State at Notre Dame | NBC, Peacock |
| Sat., Oct. 11 | 3:30 PM | NC State at Notre Dame | Peacock |
| Sat., Oct. 18 | 7:30 PM | USC at Notre Dame | NBC, Peacock |
| Sat., Nov. 8 | 7:30 PM | Navy at Notre Dame | NBC, Peacock |
| Sat., Nov. 22 | 3:30 PM | Syracuse at Notre Dame | NBC, Peacock |
| Fri., Nov. 28 | 7:30 PM | Indiana at Purdue | NBC, Peacock |
This schedule isn’t just impressive, it’s strategic. You’ll get a mix of exclusive games, primetime headliners, and classic rivalries all under one platform. Just be sure to check back for any time changes or additional matchups added later in the season.
What Makes Peacock’s College Football Experience Unique?
Peacock doesn’t just give you access to the game, it creates a more dynamic viewing experience. The interface is clean and modern, the live stream is reliable, and you often get access to exclusive pregame shows, halftime commentary, and postgame analysis depending on the matchup. For viewers used to traditional cable or fragmented streaming platforms, Peacock offers a surprisingly cohesive experience. What’s also interesting is how Peacock integrates other NBC content, so once your game ends, you’re only a click away from watching a recap show or even a different sport entirely.
During rivalry weekends or major matchups, Peacock often promotes these games across the platform, making it easier for casual viewers to discover what’s going on in college football. Additionally, the inclusion of Big Ten and Notre Dame games gives it a strong identity, and fans of those programs tend to return week after week. So while you could just watch for the score, the overall experience, stream quality, supplemental content, and smooth accessibility, makes Peacock more than just a game-day tool. It’s becoming a reliable home base for Saturday football.
Conclusion: Is Peacock Worth It for College Football Fans?
Absolutely, if you’re a Big Ten fan, Notre Dame supporter, or just someone who doesn’t want to miss prime matchups without relying on cable, Peacock offers serious value. The coverage is growing, the matchups are solid, and NBC is clearly invested in making Peacock a competitive sports streaming platform.
In a streaming world packed with options, Peacock has carved out a meaningful space in the college football world. If you’re planning your Saturdays around football, this might be one subscription that actually earns its spot in your monthly budget.
FAQs:
No, you need a Peacock Premium subscription ($5.99/month) to access college football games.
Most Notre Dame home games are broadcast on NBC and Peacock, but some away games may appear on other networks.
You can stream on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and gaming consoles.
Some Big Ten games are exclusive to Peacock, while others are simulcast on NBC. Check the schedule to confirm.
Yes, you can often find replays and highlight packages of recent games shortly after the live broadcast ends.
