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Big Ten Announces 2026 Schedule, FOX to Air Championship

5/28/2026

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Summary

Big Ten Announces

The Big Ten announced 2026 kickoff times and broadcast partners FOX, CBS, NBC and the Big Ten Network.
The season ends Dec 5, 2026 with the championship at 8 p.m. ET on FOX in Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis.
The 2025 Indiana-Ohio State title drew 18,332,000 viewers on FOX, the most-watched championship.
Indiana opens at home vs Northwestern on Sept 25, 2026 at 8 PM ET on FOX.

Summary

**NBC Sports Broadcasts**

NBC Sports begins its 36th season broadcasting Notre Dame football, including the Shamrock Series clash with Wisconsin at Lambeau Field on Sept. 6, the Irish’s first game there.
Kyle Whittingham makes his debut as Michigan head coach on Sept. 5 in the Big Ten Saturday Night game versus Western Michigan.
Peacock offers U.S. college students 18 or older a $5.99-monthly discount, requiring cancellation of any existing Peacock subscription before redemption.

History

Historical Context

After the 1984 Supreme Court ruling in NCAA v. Board of Regents broke the NCAA’s TV monopoly, conferences could sell rights individually. The Big Ten capitalized, signing a $30 million CBS contract in 1990 and later expanding to multiple networks. The 2026 season now airs on FOX, CBS, NBC and the Big Ten Network, a direct legacy of that antitrust decision.

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Big Ten Announces

The Big Ten announced 2026 kickoff times and broadcast partners FOX, CBS, NBC and the Big Ten Network.
The season ends Dec 5, 2026 with the championship at 8 p.m. ET on FOX in Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis.
The 2025 Indiana-Ohio State title drew 18,332,000 viewers on FOX, the most-watched championship.
Indiana opens at home vs Northwestern on Sept 25, 2026 at 8 PM ET on FOX.

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