What Channel Is the IU Football Game On Today?

By Sarah Miller · June 19, 2049

The Indiana University (IU) football game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network (BTN) for most matchups during the 2025 season. For select games, especially marquee matchups, IU games may air on national networks including FOX, CBS, or NBC. Streaming options include FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and the ESPN app via authenticated login.

How to Watch the IU Football Game in 2025

Fans looking to catch Indiana Hoosiers football action this season have several viewing options depending on the opponent and scheduling network decisions. The primary broadcaster for Big Ten Conference games, including IU matchups, is the Big Ten Network (BTN). However, with the expanded media rights deals, some games are elevated to major national networks.

Channels Broadcasting IU Football Games

Big Ten Network (BTN): Most regular-season conference games
FOX: Select Saturday afternoon games, often against top-tier opponents
CBS: Primetime games, typically late afternoon Eastern Time slots
NBC/Peacock: Limited games moved to streaming or broadcast under new Big Ten deal
ESPN Networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU): Occasional early-season or non-conference matchups

2025 IU Football Broadcast Schedule Overview

The following table outlines key upcoming games, scheduled dates, broadcast channels, and kickoff times based on current conference release data and historical patterns.

Date	Opponent	Location	Kickoff (ET)	TV Channel
Sep 6, 2025	Western Kentucky	Bloomington, IN	3:30 PM	BTN
Sep 13, 2025	at Nebraska	Lubbock, NE	7:30 PM	FS1
Sep 27, 2025	Michigan State	Bloomington, IN	12:00 PM	FOX
Oct 4, 2025	at Penn State	University Park, PA	7:30 PM	ABC
Oct 18, 2025	Ohio State	Bloomington, IN	3:30 PM	CBS
Nov 8, 2025	at Oregon	Eugene, OR	3:30 PM	FOX
Nov 22, 2025	Purdue	West Lafayette, IN	TBD	BTN or FS1

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that high-profile opponents such as Ohio State and Penn State are more likely to be featured on national television (CBS or ABC), maximizing viewership. Mid-tier matchups like Michigan State and Oregon appear on major cable networks (FOX), while rivalry games such as Purdue may rotate between BTN and FS1 based on competitiveness and timing.

Streaming Options for IU Football Games

For fans who prefer digital access, multiple live TV streaming platforms carry the necessary channels:

FuboTV: Carries BTN, FOX, CBS, FS1, ESPN networks
Hulu + Live TV: Includes BTN, ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN family
YouTube TV: Offers BTN, ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN (regional restrictions may apply)
ESPN App: Requires cable login to stream games airing on ESPN platforms
Peacock: Selected NBC-broadcast Big Ten games available via streaming

Factors That Influence IU Game Broadcast Times

Several elements determine where and when an IU football game airs:

Opponent Strength: Games vs. top-25 teams often get national windows
Conference Rankings: Higher-ranked IU teams attract larger broadcasts
Time Zone Considerations: Road games in western time zones may start earlier
Network Contracts: Big Ten’s agreements with ESPN, FOX, and CBS dictate rotation
Ratings Potential: Marquee matchups like IU vs. Ohio State prioritize prime exposure

Frequently Asked Questions About Watching IU Football

What channel is the IU football game on today?

To find today's IU football broadcast channel, check the official IU Athletics website (iuhoosiers.com) or use the ESPN Gamecast tool. If it’s a conference game, it’s most likely on BTN, FOX, CBS, or ABC. National broadcasts are typically confirmed 6–12 days in advance.

Is the IU football game on ESPN or ABC this week?

Some IU games, particularly against top opponents like Penn State or Michigan, may air on ABC or ESPN. In 2025, the Oct 4 game at Penn State is scheduled for ABC. Check the weekly update from Big Ten Network or IU’s social media for confirmation.

Can I stream IU football games for free?

While most games require a paid subscription, you can occasionally stream IU football for free using trial offers from services like FuboTV or Hulu + Live TV (both offer 7-day trials). Local over-the-air broadcasts on CBS or ABC may also be viewable with an antenna if available in your area.

Why are some IU games on FS1 instead of BTN?

Under the Big Ten’s media agreement, not all games can air on BTN due to bandwidth limits. FS1 (Fox Sports 1) serves as a secondary outlet for games that don’t meet BTN’s national profile threshold but still require cable coverage. These are typically mid-tier matchups or early-season games.

Does BTN+ cover IU football games not on the main channel?

Yes, BTN+ streams select IU football games not carried on the main Big Ten Network feed. These are usually non-conference games or lower-profile matchups. Access requires a subscription through FloSports and may not include all regional blackouts.