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UNC QB Gio Lopez tackled by Richmond defenders at Kenan Stadium, Sept. 13, 2025
Sep 13, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Gio Lopez (7) is tackled by Richmond Spiders defensive linemen Daniel Sellers (47) and TJ Baldwin (93) and Matei Fitz (5) in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

How To Watch North Carolina Football Online Without Cable in 2025

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Bill Belichick, the former head coach of the New England Patriots, is having his first season as the CFB team's head coach. However, he is struggling to adapt to the new playstyle with the Tar Heels mounting a 2-2 record for the 2025 season so far. Hopefully, Gio Lopez can get some momentum for their offense so you can catch the action on one of the best live TV streaming platforms.

In 2025, UNC is also part of DIRECTV’s new multi-year college sports partnership, giving fans more ways to stream Tar Heels football across major networks and platforms


North Carolina's 2025 football schedule

Early nonconference tests against TCU and road trips to Charlotte and UCF set the tone for 2025. October brings a marquee home date with Clemson and a cross-country visit to California, and November closes with rivalry games versus Duke and at NC State. Here’s a look at the Tar Heels’ 2025 regular season schedule (more game times and channels will be released at a later date):

Dates Opposing team Time Channel
Monday, September 1st
TCU
8:00 p.m.
ESPN
Saturday, September 6th
Charlotte
7:00 p.m.
ESPN+
Saturday, September 13th
Richmond
3:30 p.m.
ACC Network
Saturday, September 20th
UCF
3:30 p.m.
FOX
Saturday, October 4th
Clemson
Noon
ESPN
Friday, October 17th
California
10:30 p.m.
ESPN
Saturday, October 25th
Virginia
TBD
TBD
Friday, October 31st
Syracuse
7:30 p.m.
ESPN
Saturday, November 8th
Stanford
TBD
TBD
Saturday, November 15th
Wake Forest
TBD
TBD
Saturday, November 22nd
Duke
TBD
TBD
Saturday, November 29th
NC State
TBD
TBD
*All times are Eastern

Where to watch North Carolina football

Tar Heels fans want a streaming service with FOX, the ACC Network and ESPN. ESPN broadcasts many of the college football playoffs and bowl games. You can use ACC Network Extra or ESPN Plus for the North Carolina Central contest on Nov. 14. 

Here’s a glance at the streaming platforms offering the channels you want: 


DIRECTV STREAM Fubo Hulu + Live TV Sling TV YouTube TV
Fox



✓*

ACC Network





ESPN





*Local channels only available in select locations

Watch North Carolina football with DIRECTV 

DIRECTV Stream logo
  • Pricing begins at $86.99/mo
  • 90+ live TV channels
  • Free trial available

DIRECTV gives North Carolina fans a way to stream 2025 games with local network affiliates, ESPN, FS1 and ESPN2 included. To access the ACC Network, you’ll need the Choice package or higher, which also carries the SEC Network, plus NFL and MLB Networks. Every DIRECTV plan includes unlimited DVR and device streams.

Watch North Carolina football with Fubo

Fubo logo
  • Pricing begins at $84.99/mo.
  • 211+ live TV channels
  • Free trial available

Fubo’s Pro plan offers ESPN, Fox, ACC Network, FS1, FS2 and regional Bally Sports. North Carolina fans in the Midwest may need the Sports Lite add-on, which adds ESPNU and the SEC Network. All Fubo plans in 2025 include unlimited Cloud DVR.

Watch North Carolina football with Hulu + Live TV

Hulu logo
  • Pricing begins at $89.99/mo
  • 95+ live TV channels
  • 3-day free trial

Hulu + Live TV remains a convenient 2025 option for North Carolina fans, offering ESPN, Fox, FS1, ACC Network, CBS Sports Network and the NFL Network with unlimited DVR. Bundling adds the Disney Bundle, giving access to Hulu, Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, where exclusive college football games stream alongside premium ESPN content.

Watch North Carolina football with Sling TV 

Sling TV logo
  • Pricing begins at $45.99/mo.
  • 35+ live TV channels
  • Free trial currently unavailable

For 2025, North Carolina fans should consider Sling Orange with Sports Extra, as this Sling TV bundle includes ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, ESPNU and SEC Network, plus 50 hours of DVR (upgradeable to 200). The drawback is limited local channels; if Fox isn’t available, a digital antenna is recommended.

Watch North Carolina football with YouTube TV

YouTube TV logo
  • Pricing begins at $82.99/mo
  • 100+ live TV channels
  • Free trial available

YouTube TV brings a sports bar vibe home in 2025, letting fans stream Tar Heels games alongside three others with picture-in-picture. The base plan includes ESPN, Fox, NBC, ABC, CBS, FS1, ESPN2, SEC Network, ACC Network, NBA TV and the NFL Network, making it one of the best all-around values.

FAQ

Where can I watch the North Carolina football game?

North Carolina games in 2025 air across multiple networks, so you’ll want a streaming service with strong sports coverage. Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV remain the top options based on channel lineups and price.

What channel is the UNC game on?

UNC games can appear on Fox, ESPN, the ACC Network or other NCAA broadcasters. Many matchups are also available on ACC Network Extra through the ESPN app—just log in with your streaming subscription that carries ACC Network.

Has UNC ever been #1 in football?

North Carolina earned the nation’s top ranking once in program history, the week of October 11, 1948, after a 3-0 start. More recently, in 2023, the Tar Heels rose as high as sixth after winning their first six games.

Sean is a creative writer and editor with specialties in sports, travel, home, tech, and finance.