UCLA Bruins vs. Wisconsin Badgers: Kickoff Time, TV Channel, and Every Way to Watch or Stream the Oct. 17 Game
UCLA is riding a wave of momentum after last weekend’s shocking victory over Oregon, and now the Bruins are set to face another major test when they host the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday, Oct. 17. The game will be played at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET. For fans hoping to catch every snap of this Big Ten showdown, the broadcast will air live on NBC, with a number of streaming options available for cord-cutters and traditional cable subscribers alike.
Whether you want to watch from the comfort of your living room, on your phone while on the go, or through one of the many live TV streaming services now available, there’s no shortage of ways to tune in. And for fans who want to avoid paying full price, there are even a few free-trial options that make it possible to watch the game without committing to a long-term subscription.
Quick Game Details: UCLA vs. Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Badgers will travel west to take on the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 17. The opening kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised live on NBC. Because NBC is the broadcast home for this contest, the game will also be available to stream on any live TV streaming service that carries the network. That includes major platforms such as DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV, and Peacock.
For fans who are looking for a quick answer: you can watch UCLA vs. Wisconsin live on NBC, with streaming available through several top services. DirecTV and Fubo both offer free trials for new subscribers, which means you can watch the game at no cost if you time your sign-up correctly. Peacock will also carry the game, and while the streamer does not normally offer a free trial, there are a couple of clever ways to get access without paying, including a two-month Peacock promotion available through DirecTV and a seven-day Peacock trial available through Amazon Prime Video.
UCLA Looks to Build on a Landmark Win
The Bruins come into this matchup with high energy after pulling off an upset that turned heads around college football last weekend. That win over Oregon was more than just a statement victory; it gave UCLA a jolt of confidence and raised expectations for the rest of the season. Now, with Wisconsin coming to town, the Bruins have a chance to prove that the Oregon result was not a fluke and that they can compete with the best teams in the conference on a consistent basis.
Wisconsin, of course, will not make things easy. The Badgers are known for their physical style of play, strong offensive line, and disciplined defense. Playing at the Rose Bowl adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup, as UCLA will enjoy home-field advantage in one of the sport’s most storied venues. For the Bruins, a second straight victory over a high-profile opponent would be a major statement. For Wisconsin, a road win in Pasadena would be an equally significant result as the Badgers look to solidify their own position in the conference standings.
The game is also notable for its prime-time television slot. A 4:30 p.m. Pacific start time means the sun will still be out for the early portion of the game, with the famous Rose Bowl atmosphere providing a picturesque backdrop for what should be a compelling afternoon of college football.
How to Watch the Game on TV
If you have a traditional cable or satellite TV package that includes NBC, you’ll be all set for the UCLA vs. Wisconsin game. Simply flip to your local NBC affiliate at 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 17, and you’ll get the full broadcast, including pregame coverage, live play-by-play, and postgame analysis. NBC’s college football production has become known for its crisp camera work, experienced broadcast team, and comprehensive in-game updates, so cable viewers are in good hands.
For those who have cut the cord but still want a conventional viewing experience, a live TV streaming service is the next best thing. Services like DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV all offer access to NBC in many markets, and each has its own pricing structure, channel lineup, and free-trial options. Below, we break down the best ways to stream the game online, including which platforms offer free trials and how to make the most of promotional deals.
Where to Stream UCLA vs. Wisconsin Online
Because the game is on NBC, any streaming platform that carries live NBC coverage will have the game. That immediately opens up several possibilities for fans who want to watch online. The most straightforward options include DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV, all of which offer NBC in at least some of their packages. Of those, DirecTV and Fubo stand out because they currently offer free trials for new subscribers. That means you can sign up, watch the game, and cancel before the trial period ends without spending a dime.
DirecTV, for example, offers a five-day free trial for its streaming service, which is more than enough time to watch the UCLA vs. Wisconsin game. Fubo also gives new subscribers a five-day free trial, and after the trial ends, plans start at $54.99 for the first month before reverting to the standard monthly price of $64.99. Both services include NBC in their channel lineups, so either one will get you live access to the game.
Sling is another option, though the availability of NBC depends on your market. Sling’s budget-friendly Select plan starts at just $19.99 per month, and in select markets that package includes NBC. Alternatively, Sling’s Blue plan, which starts at $45.99 per month, and its Orange & Blue plan, which starts at $60.99 per month, also carry NBC in certain areas. Sling does not currently advertise a free trial in the same way as DirecTV or Fubo, but its lower starting price can make it an attractive option for fans who only need streaming for a short period.
Hulu + Live TV is a more premium choice, with packages starting at $89.99 per month. That price includes access to NBC, as well as a bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+, making it a solid value for households that want more than just live sports. Hulu + Live TV does not offer a free trial at this time, but it remains one of the most complete live TV streaming services available, with a robust channel lineup and a polished interface.
How to Watch the Game on Peacock
In addition to traditional NBC broadcast coverage, Saturday’s game will be simulcast on Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform. That gives fans another way to watch the UCLA Bruins and Wisconsin Badgers face off, provided they have an active Peacock subscription. Peacock offers several subscription tiers, including a premium plan that includes live sports and other premium content.
One catch is that Peacock typically does not offer a free trial for new subscribers. However, there are a couple of notable loopholes that can give you free access to Peacock for a limited time. The first involves DirecTV’s signature packages. By signing up for a DirecTV streaming plan and adding the “Movies Extra Pack + Peacock Premium” add-on, new subscribers can get two months of Peacock included automatically. That means if you sign up for DirecTV ahead of the game, you can use that two-month window to watch the UCLA vs. Wisconsin matchup on Peacock without paying extra for the streaming service on top of your plan.
To take advantage of this offer, you’ll need to select one of DirecTV’s signature packages, such as Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, or Premier. During the checkout process, you’ll be prompted to choose your add-ons, and at that point you can select the “Movies Extra Pack + Peacock Premium” option. DirecTV will then include two months of that add-on with your subscription. After the two-month promotional period ends, the add-on will renew monthly at the then-prevailing rate unless you cancel it before the promotional period is over. This is a particularly useful option for fans who want both a live TV service and access to Peacock for the game, as it essentially bundles both into one transaction.
Watch Peacock Free Through Amazon Prime Video
Another clever way to get Peacock access is by subscribing to Peacock through Amazon Prime Video. This method is especially useful for fans who may not want to sign up for a full DirecTV package but still want to watch the game on Peacock. Unlike direct subscriptions purchased through PeacockTV.com, Peacock subscriptions purchased through Amazon Prime Video come with a seven-day free trial for the Premium Plus plan.
The process is simple: sign up for Peacock through Prime Video, choose the Premium Plus plan, and you’ll get a week of access at no cost. That gives you plenty of time to watch the UCLA vs. Wisconsin game, and if you decide you don’t want to continue, you can cancel before the trial period ends. If you do want to keep the service, your subscription will continue at the standard rate after the trial. This is a smart hack for fans who want to catch the game on Peacock without paying for a full month of service upfront.
Breaking Down the Best Streaming Options: Quick Comparison
Let’s take a closer look at each of the main streaming services carrying the UCLA vs. Wisconsin game, along with their pricing and key features.
DirecTV offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers, with packages starting at just $20.99 per month. NBC is included in all of DirecTV’s signature packages, including Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier. That makes DirecTV one of the most affordable ways to watch the game online, especially when you factor in the free trial. With the free trial, fans can watch the entire game without paying anything, and even if they choose to continue, the entry-level pricing is hard to beat.
Fubo is another excellent choice for sports fans. In addition to carrying NBC, Fubo’s channel lineup is loaded with sports networks, making it a favorite among live sports enthusiasts. New subscribers can take advantage of a five-day free trial, after which plans start at $54.99 for the first month and $64.99 per month after that. Because Fubo’s free trial is long enough to cover the game, it’s another zero-risk way to watch the UCLA Bruins take on the Wisconsin Badgers.
Sling is the budget option, with plans starting from just $19.99 per month. NBC is included in Sling’s Select plan in select markets, as well as in the Blue plan and the Orange & Blue plan. Sling does not currently offer a free trial, but its low starting price makes it an appealing option for fans who want an affordable way to watch the game and possibly keep the service afterward. It’s important to check Sling’s website to confirm whether NBC is available in your area before signing up, as channel availability can vary by market.
Hulu + Live TV is the premium option, with packages starting at $89.99 per month. The service includes NBC, along with a bundle of Disney+ and ESPN+, giving subscribers a broad entertainment package in addition to live sports. Hulu + Live TV does not currently offer a free trial, but for fans who want a comprehensive streaming service that covers live TV, sports, and on-demand entertainment, it’s a strong choice.
Claiming DirecTV’s Two Months of Free Peacock
The DirecTV promotion for Peacock is worth repeating, because it’s one of the best deals available for this particular game. To claim the offer, start by selecting one of DirecTV’s signature packages. From there, choose the add-on called “Movies Extra Pack + Peacock Premium.” DirecTV will then include two months of that add-on with your subscription at no additional cost. This gives you access to Peacock’s live sports coverage, including the UCLA vs. Wisconsin game, as well as the entire Movies Extra Pack, which includes a variety of premium movie channels and additional on-demand content.
After the two-month promotional period is over, the add-on will automatically renew at the then-prevailing monthly rate unless you cancel it beforehand. Because DirecTV also offers a five-day free trial for its streaming service, this can be an especially attractive option for fans who want to try the service before committing. Between the free trial and the two months of Peacock access, there’s very little downside for anyone who wants to watch the game.
Final Thoughts
The UCLA Bruins and Wisconsin Badgers are set to clash at the Rose Bowl in a game that promises to deliver plenty of drama and excitement. UCLA will be looking to prove that last weekend’s win over Oregon was just the beginning of something special, while Wisconsin will be eager to quiet the doubters with a tough road victory. With kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC, fans have no shortage of ways to watch, whether they stick with traditional TV or choose one of the many streaming services carrying the game.
For those hoping to watch for free, DirecTV and Fubo are the easiest options, thanks to their five-day free trials. Peacock is another option, and while it doesn’t offer a free trial directly, the two-month Peacock promotion through DirecTV and the seven-day trial through Amazon Prime Video are both solid workarounds. Sling and Hulu + Live TV offer additional flexibility, with different price points and channel lineups to suit a range of preferences.
No matter how you choose to watch, the key is to plan ahead so you don’t miss a minute of the action. Set your schedule, sign up for any free trials in advance, and get ready for a big afternoon of college football at the Rose Bowl.
