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UCLA vs. Wisconsin: How to Watch, Stream and Claim Free Trials for the Oct. 17 Game

College football fans have plenty to be excited about this weekend. Fresh off a stunning upset victory over Oregon, the UCLA Bruins return to the Rose Bowl with momentum, confidence and high expectations. Their next challenge comes in the form of the Wisconsin Badgers, a Big Ten opponent that will be looking to spoil the party and prove something on the road. The Bruins want to prove that last weekend’s win was not a fluke, and the Badgers want to put their own stamp on the 2026 season.

The game is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, with kickoff at 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET. NBC will carry the national broadcast, which means viewers can watch it over the air, through a traditional cable package, or through any number of live TV streaming services. Because the game is on NBC, there are several streaming platforms that will carry it, and some of them are currently offering free trials for new subscribers. If you are looking for a way to watch UCLA vs. Wisconsin without paying, or if you just want to make sure you have the best streaming experience possible, this guide has you covered.

The Matchup: UCLA Bruins vs. Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin Badgers and UCLA Bruins are set to meet in Pasadena at the historic Rose Bowl. This is a significant game for both programs. UCLA is coming off a major statement win over Oregon, a result that shocked many observers and gave the Bruins a surge of national relevance. A second straight victory over another Big Ten opponent would solidify UCLA’s position as a team to watch in the conference race. Wisconsin, meanwhile, will be motivated to bounce back and assert itself after watching UCLA grab the spotlight. The Badgers have the talent and the physical style of play to challenge the Bruins in what could be one of the more intriguing matchups of the afternoon.

The game will air live on NBC. That means the broadcast will also be available to stream live on any service that includes NBC in its channel lineup. If you are a cord-cutter, you have several options. If you are a traditional cable subscriber, you can simply tune in to your local NBC affiliate. If you do not have cable, you can also use a good digital antenna to pick up NBC free over the air in many markets. But for those who prefer streaming, there are even more choices.

Where to Watch UCLA vs. Wisconsin Football Game: Date, Time, Channel

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
• Time: 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
• TV Channel: NBC
• Live Stream: Peacock, DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV

This is a prime afternoon slot on network television, which gives the game a wide reach. The fact that it is on NBC rather than a cable-only network makes it much easier to stream, because many live TV services carry NBC and offer some form of free trial or discounted first month. For fans who just want to watch this one game, the free trial route can be especially appealing.

Where to Stream UCLA vs. Wisconsin Online Free

Since the game airs on NBC, it will be available to watch live on any streaming service that carries the network. That includes some of the biggest names in live TV streaming, such as DirecTV, Fubo, Sling and Hulu + Live TV. Each service has its own pricing structure, channel availability and promotional offers, so it is worth understanding the differences before you sign up.

The game will also be simulcast on Peacock. Because Peacock is NBC’s own streaming platform, it is a natural home for the network’s live sports programming. That gives viewers another way to watch the action from the Rose Bowl, and it opens up some creative ways to get the game for free.

Below is a closer look at each streaming option and the current offers available to new subscribers.

DirecTV

DirecTV is one of the easiest ways to stream the UCLA vs. Wisconsin game. NBC is included in all of DirecTV’s Signature packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate and Premier. That means no matter which package you choose, you will be able to watch the game live. DirecTV also offers a five-day free trial for its streaming service. That is more than enough time to watch the game on Saturday and then decide whether to keep the service afterward. After the free trial, packages start at just $20.99 per month, making DirecTV one of the more budget-friendly options for live TV streaming. You can visit DirecTV’s website to compare plans, view channel lineups and build a custom package that fits your viewing habits.

Fubo

Fubo is another strong option, especially for sports fans. The service was built with live sports in mind, and it includes NBC in its standard lineup. Fubo currently offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers, so you can watch the Bruins and Badgers without paying a cent. After the trial ends, packages start at $64.99 per month, but new subscribers can often get the first month for $54.99. That first-month discount is useful if you want to keep the service for a few weeks to catch more college football action. Fubo also offers a generous cloud DVR, so you can record the game and watch it later if you are not able to tune in right at kickoff.

Sling

Sling is a budget-friendly streaming option, and in select markets, NBC is included in its channel lineup. If you are in one of those markets, you can watch the game on Sling’s Select plan, which starts at around $19.99 per month. Sling also offers a Blue plan from $45.99 per month and an Orange & Blue plan from $60.99 per month. Availability of NBC depends on your local market, so you should check Sling’s website to confirm whether your area is covered before signing up. Sling is a good choice for viewers who want to keep their monthly bill low but still catch major live sports events.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is another dependable way to watch the game. It includes NBC in its channel package, and subscriptions come bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+, which adds significant value for households that want more than just live sports. Hulu + Live TV starts at $89.99 per month, making it one of the pricier options, but it offers a wide range of entertainment, sports and news content. If you already use Hulu or Disney+, upgrading to the bundle can be a convenient way to consolidate your streaming services.

Peacock

Peacock will also carry the game live. Because Peacock is owned by NBC, it has become a go-to destination for NBC sports programming, including college football. The service is generally much cheaper than a full live TV package, but there is a catch: Peacock does not offer a free trial directly through its own website. However, there are a couple of workarounds that can help you watch the game for free, and they are worth understanding.

First, DirecTV is currently offering two complimentary months of Peacock access with any of its Signature packages. This is possible through the “Movies Extra Pack + Peacock Premium” add-on. When you sign up for a DirecTV Signature package, you can choose to add the Movies Extra Pack + Peacock Premium, and you will get the first two months included at no additional cost. That means you can watch the UCLA vs. Wisconsin game on Peacock without paying for a separate Peacock subscription. After the two-month period, unless you cancel, the add-on will renew monthly at the then-prevailing rate.

Here is exactly how to claim that offer: visit DirecTV’s website, select your preferred Signature package, and then choose the “Movies Extra Pack + Peacock Premium” option when prompted to pick your add-ons. The add-on includes premium movie channels along with Peacock Premium, so you get even more content on top of the football game. After two months, the add-on will continue at the standard monthly rate unless you cancel it at any time. For fans who just want to watch this one game, the free trial and the included Peacock access make DirecTV an especially attractive option.

Second, there is another trick involving Amazon Prime Video. You can subscribe to Peacock through Prime Video, and unlike direct Peacock subscriptions through PeacockTV.com, Peacock on Prime Video offers a seven-day trial period for the Premium Plus plan. That means you can sign up, watch the game live on Peacock, and then cancel before the trial period ends. After the trial, the subscription continues at the standard rate unless you cancel. This is one of the simplest ways to get free access to the game for people who do not want to commit to a full television package.

At a Glance: How to Watch UCLA Bruins vs. Wisconsin Badgers Game

• Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
• When: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: NBC
• Stream: Peacock, DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV
• Best free-trial options: DirecTV offers a five-day free trial; Fubo offers a five-day free trial; Peacock via Prime Video offers a seven-day free trial; DirecTV Signature packages include two months of Peacock with the Movies Extra Pack add-on.

Which Streaming Option Is Right for You?

Choosing the best way to watch the game depends on your budget, your location and your viewing preferences. If you just want to watch this one game and then cancel, the free trials from DirecTV and Fubo are excellent choices. Both include NBC and both give you enough time to watch the matchup without paying anything. If you want a low monthly rate and live in an area where Sling carries NBC, Sling is a cost-effective option. If you already subscribe to Hulu, Disney+ or ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV might be the most convenient way to add live sports to your existing setup. And if you are a Peacock fan, the DirecTV offer and the Prime Video trial both provide paths to watching the game for free.

It is also worth remembering that availability of local channels can vary by market. NBC is a broadcast network, so most live TV streaming services carry it, but you should always confirm that the service you choose offers NBC in your specific area before you sign up. Streaming options, pricing and trial terms can change, so it is a good idea to review the latest details on each service’s website when you are ready to subscribe.

Final Thoughts

The UCLA Bruins vs. Wisconsin Badgers game has all the ingredients of a compelling college football afternoon. UCLA is riding high after an unforgettable win over Oregon, and Wisconsin will be determined to respond with a strong performance in Pasadena. With kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC, fans have access to a wide range of viewing options, including several ways to watch for free.

Whether you choose DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV or Peacock, the most important thing is to make sure you are set up before kickoff. Take a few minutes to check channel availability, start your free trial and test your streaming connection. That way, when the Bruins and Badgers take the field at the Rose Bowl, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the game.