UCLA Bruins vs. Wisconsin Badgers: How to Watch, Stream, and Get Free Access to Saturday’s Big Game
Fresh off one of the most surprising results of the college football season, the UCLA Bruins are back in the spotlight. Following last weekend’s shocking win over Oregon, UCLA is hoping to prove that its breakthrough performance was no fluke. The Bruins will get that chance when they host the Wisconsin Badgers at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 17. With playoff positioning, conference bragging rights, and national momentum all potentially on the line, this is one of the must-watch games of the weekend.
If you are planning to tune in, you are probably wondering exactly how to watch the game, what channel it will be on, and whether there is a way to stream it for free. Fortunately, there are several options, from traditional television to live TV streaming services, and even a few free-trial routes that can help you catch all the action without committing to a long-term subscription. Here is everything you need to know about watching UCLA take on Wisconsin, including start time, TV channel, streaming platforms, and the best ways to access the game online.
When and Where: Date, Time, and Location
The Wisconsin Badgers will take on the UCLA Bruins at the iconic Rose Bowl on Saturday, Oct. 17. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET, which means fans on the West Coast get a late-afternoon game while East Coast viewers settle in for prime-time college football.
The game will air live on NBC, one of the most widely available broadcast networks in the country. If you have a traditional cable or satellite package, or if you have an over-the-air antenna that picks up local NBC channels, you may already be set. But for cord-cutters and streaming enthusiasts, there are plenty of ways to watch the Bruins and Badgers online.
Because the game is on NBC, it will also be available on any streaming service that carries the network. That includes several major live TV streaming platforms, each with its own pricing structure, channel lineup, and in some cases, free trial offers. Let’s break down all of your options.
At a Glance: UCLA vs. Wisconsin
- Matchup: UCLA Bruins vs. Wisconsin Badgers
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
- Time: 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Rose Bowl
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, Hulu + Live TV
- Best Free Options: DirecTV five-day free trial, Fubo five-day free trial, Peacock via Prime Video seven-day trial, and a DirecTV promotional offer that includes two months of Peacock
How to Stream UCLA vs. Wisconsin Online
Since NBC is broadcasting the game, the easiest streaming route is to sign up for a live TV streaming service that includes NBC in its channel package. The most popular options include DirecTV, Fubo, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV. Each of these services offers something slightly different, so it is worth comparing them before you decide where to watch.
DirecTV
DirecTV is one of the strongest options for this game. NBC is included in all of DirecTV’s signature packages, which means subscribers can watch the UCLA-Wisconsin matchup no matter which tier they choose. The available packages are Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier, so there is a plan for just about every budget.
DirecTV also offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers. That is more than enough time to watch Saturday’s game at no cost. If you sign up for the free trial, you can stream the matchup live on NBC, then cancel before the trial period ends if you decide you do not want to continue.
For those who do want to stick around, DirecTV’s packages start at just $20.99 per month. That entry-level price makes it one of the most affordable ways to stream live television, especially if you only need NBC for a weekend of football. DirecTV also allows you to build your own channel lineup, giving you additional flexibility to tailor the service to your needs.
Fubo
Another reliable way to watch the Bruins and Badgers is Fubo, a live TV streaming service that is especially popular among sports fans because it carries a wide range of sports networks. NBC is available to stream with a subscription to Fubo, and new subscribers can take advantage of a five-day free trial.
That free trial is a great way to watch the UCLA game without immediately paying anything. After the trial ends, Fubo’s plans start at $54.99 for the first month, then go up to $64.99 per month after that. While that is not the cheapest option on this list, Fubo’s extensive sports coverage might be worth it for fans who plan to watch college football all season long. The service also includes local channels like NBC in most markets, so you can tune in to the Rose Bowl with confidence.
Sling
Sling is another budget-friendly streaming option, though its ability to show the game depends on where you live. In select markets, NBC is included in Sling’s Select plan, which starts at just $19.99 per month. That makes Sling one of the least expensive ways to stream live TV, and if NBC is available in your area, it is an excellent choice for this game.
Sling also offers the Blue plan, which starts at $45.99 per month, and the Orange & Blue plan, which includes both channel packages and starts at $60.99 per month. However, because NBC availability varies by market, it is important to visit Sling’s website and check station availability before signing up. If NBC is included in your local lineup, Sling provides a straightforward and affordable way to watch UCLA take on Wisconsin live.
Hulu + Live TV
If you are already in the Hulu ecosystem, or if you are looking for a streaming service that bundles live TV with on-demand entertainment, Hulu + Live TV is another option. Subscriptions to Hulu + Live TV include access to NBC, so you can watch the game live without any additional add-ons.
Hulu + Live TV subscriptions also come bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+, which is a nice bonus for households that want more than just college football. The service starts at $89.99 per month, making it one of the pricier options on this list. But if you already pay for Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ separately, bundling them together through Hulu + Live TV could make sense.
Peacock
Saturday’s game will also be simulcast on Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform. That means you can watch UCLA and Wisconsin live on Peacock if you have a subscription to the service. Peacock does not offer a free trial directly, so you will need another way to access the game if you are not already a subscriber.
That said, there are a few clever ways to get Peacock without paying full price. One of the best options involves DirecTV. If you sign up for one of DirecTV’s Signature packages, you can claim two complimentary months of Peacock through a limited-time promo. This offer is tied to the Movies Extra Pack + Peacock Premium add-on, which includes Peacock Premium along with additional movie channels and content.
To claim the offer, simply select your preferred Signature package on DirecTV’s website. When you reach the step that asks you to choose your add-ons, opt for “Movies Extra Pack + Peacock Premium.” As long as you add it during the sign-up process, you will automatically get two months of the Movies Extra Pack + Peacock Premium included in your subscription. That means you can stream the UCLA-Wisconsin game on Peacock at no additional cost. After the two-month promotional period, unless you cancel at any time, DirecTV will renew the add-on monthly at the then-prevailing rate.
It is worth noting that the Movies Extra Pack add-on includes a lot more than just Peacock, so you are getting a fairly robust entertainment bundle during the promotional period. For college football fans, though, the real prize is the live Peacock stream of the Rose Bowl clash.
Another Peacock Option: Peacock on Prime Video
There is another savvy streaming hack if you want to watch the game on Peacock. A subscription to Peacock is available through Amazon Prime Video, and unlike direct subscriptions through PeacockTV.com, Peacock on Prime Video offers a seven-day trial period for the Premium Plus plan.
That is a full week of access, which means you can watch the UCLA-Wisconsin game live and still have several days left to explore Peacock’s library of movies, TV shows, and sports content. To get started, simply subscribe to Peacock through Prime Video and select the Premium Plus plan. You will get the seven-day trial right away, and after the trial ends, unless you cancel at any time, the subscription will continue at the standard rate.
This is one of the best ways to watch the game for free if you are looking for a standalone streaming option and you want to avoid signing up for a full live TV package. Just make sure to mark your calendar and cancel before the trial period is over if you do not want to be charged.
Which Option Is Best for You?
The best way to watch the game ultimately depends on your budget, your existing subscriptions, and whether you are willing to sign up for a free trial. If you just want to watch the game and cancel afterward, the five-day free trials from DirecTV and Fubo are excellent choices. Both services carry NBC, both will stream the game live, and both give you enough time to watch the full matchup without paying a cent.
If you are looking for the simplest standalone option, Peacock via Prime Video stands out because it offers a seven-day trial, which is even longer than the five-day trials from DirecTV and Fubo. Plus, because the game is simulcast on Peacock, you will get the same live NBC feed from the Rose Bowl.
If you are a regular college football viewer who plans to watch games all season, you might want to choose a service based on its long-term value. Fubo is a strong choice for sports fans, DirecTV offers flexible packages at competitive prices, and Hulu + Live TV bundles additional streaming services into one subscription. Sling, meanwhile, is the most affordable option if NBC is available in your market.
Final Thoughts
UCLA’s victory over Oregon was one of the biggest stories of the college football season, and now the Bruins have a chance to build on that momentum in front of a national audience. Whether you are cheering for UCLA, supporting Wisconsin, or simply looking for a great game to watch on Saturday afternoon, you will not want to miss this Big Ten matchup from the Rose Bowl.
The good news is that there are more ways to watch than ever before. NBC’s broadcast will be available through multiple streaming platforms, and several of those platforms are offering free trials or promotional deals that allow you to tune in without spending money. From DirecTV’s five-day free trial to Fubo’s free trial to the Peacock-on-Prime-Video seven-day trial, there is no shortage of ways to get in front of the action.
Just remember to read the fine print. Free trials and promotional offers often require you to cancel before the trial period ends if you do not want to be billed. Set a reminder on your phone, mark your calendar, and enjoy the game.
UCLA and Wisconsin are both teams with rich football traditions and passionate fan bases. With a late-afternoon kickoff, a legendary venue, and a national television audience, Saturday’s game has all the ingredients for a memorable afternoon. If you are ready to watch, you now have all the information you need to stream the Bruins and Badgers from anywhere in the country.
Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. PT / 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC, with the live stream available on Peacock and all the major live TV streaming services. Make your choice, grab your snacks, and get ready for a great day of college football.
