How to Watch the 2023-24 NCAA College Football Playoffs

The College Football Selection Committee has chosen the four highest-ranking teams and positioned them to go head-to-head for this year’s National Championship title.

As we inch towards the 2023-24 playoffs, fans are gearing up for what’s sure to be a college football playoff (CFP) season to remember. But first, you’ll need to know exactly how to watch these epic matchups. Below, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the CFP, including when, where, and how to watch all the games.

2023-24 College Football Playoff Schedule

This year's playoffs are packed with thrilling storylines. Both the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl will include storied college programs to help fans ring in the New Year. Here is a look at the playoff schedule:

• Rose Bowl (Semifinal): Michigan vs. Alabama on Monday, Jan. 1, at 5 PM ET.
• Sugar Bowl (Semifinal): Washington vs. Texas on Monday, Jan. 1, at 8:45 PM ET.
• National Championship Game: Monday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 PM ET.

All games will take place in iconic stadiums across the country, with the National Championship game being held at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas​.

Ways to Watch The NCAA Football Playoffs

Both semifinal games and the title game will air on ESPN. It will provide exclusive coverage of all games, including expert commentary, in-depth analysis, and predictions.

In addition to airing on ESPN, all three matchups can be streamed on the ESPN+ mobile app.

Live Streaming Services

Most major cable TV providers offer ESPN as part of either their basic packages or higher-tiered packages. From Spectrum and Optimum to Xfinity and Cox, we can help find a TV provider that offers the channels you need.

In addition to the traditional TV providers, there are also many streaming services, like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV that offer live channels.

For more on streaming live sports, check out our guide for where to find the best streaming services to watch live sports.

How to Watch College Football Playoffs For Free

Since ESPN owns the broadcast rights to the NCAA playoffs, finding free ways to watch can be challenging. However, there are a few ways to catch the games without committing to a long-term subscription or cable TV package.

• Free Trials: Most streaming services offer some form of free trial that includes ESPN. This can be an excellent and commitment-free way of enjoying the playoffs. Just ensure the trial period aligns with the CFP schedule.
• Local Venues: If you’re not into live streaming or watching sports TV at home, you can always go to a sports bar or attend public events where they broadcast the games — usually at no additional cost.

The Road to the Championship

This year’s playoffs feature some of the most highly touted programs in the nation. For example, the Rose Bowl matchup between Michigan and Alabama is a clash of ultimate legacy.

Further, the Sugar Bowl will showcase two highly skilled and proud organizations in Washington and Texas. While these games are important, they’re just another step on the journey toward the ultimate goal: winning the National Championship in Houston, TX.

The road to the National Championship is filled with determination, resiliency, skill, and, in many cases, luck. This year’s slate of NCAA football playoff games is no different, with each team bringing its own unique flavor and history.

• Michigan Wolverineshis team is synonymous with excellence and winning. Their path to the playoffs was occasionally marred by scandal, but the Wolverines are ready to disprove the doubters and make up for last year’s loss in the playoffs to TCU.
• Alabama Crimson Tide: Nick Saban has been winning NCAA Championships for decades, and his team of NFL-caliber players hope to show the rest of college football that they are still at the top of the food chain.
• Washington Huskies: Somewhat of a Cinderella story, the Huskies are a rare representative of the Pac-12 in the College Football Championship story. They’re fixated on proving they belong.
• Texas Longhorns: This program is ripe with history, accolades, and championship hardware. After taking a significant leap in the rankings this year, the Texas Longhorns are hungry to put their program back where it belongs.

Looking Ahead

Whether you’re streaming from home, catching the games on the ESPN App, or exploring the best streaming services for college football, grab your popcorn — you’ve got a front-row seat to the best college football season yet.

We’re here to help you connect to the top TV providers in your area. With the right TV provider, you can get reliable access to all your favorite channels.