The Orange Bowl 2026 delivers one of the biggest college football games of the year. This College Football Playoff Quarterfinal puts two elite teams against each other with a trip to the semifinals on the line.
The No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders take on the No. 5 Oregon Ducks on New Year’s Day. Texas Tech earned their spot as Big 12 Conference Champions with a stellar 12-1 record. Oregon secured their quarterfinal berth with a 51-34 victory over No. 12 James Madison in the first round.
The winner moves on to the College Football Playoff Semifinals at the Peach Bowl on Thursday, January 8, 2026. They face the winner of the Rose Bowl between Alabama and Indiana.
We show you every way to watch this matchup. Cable TV and streaming options both work great for catching the action.
Capital One Orange Bowl 2026 at a glance:
| Teams: | Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Oregon Ducks |
| Date: | Thursday, January 1, 2026 |
| Where: | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL |
| Game Time: | 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT |
| TV Network: | ESPN |
| Live Stream HD: | Watch Here |
| Radio: | ESPN Radio |
| Halftime Show: | Third Eye Blind |
When and Where is the Orange Bowl 2026?
The Orange Bowl 2026 happens on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida hosts this historic bowl game.
This is the 92nd annual Orange Bowl. Both teams make their first-ever appearance in this bowl game. Miami sets the stage for two elite college football programs to compete.
What is the Orange Bowl 2026 Start Time?
The Orange Bowl 2026 kicks off at 12:00 PM ET (Noon Eastern). This early start makes it the first major bowl game of New Year’s Day. Clear your morning, because you don’t want to miss this quarterfinal battle.
Time by State in the US:
- ET: 12:00 PM (Noon)
- CT: 11:00 AM
- MT: 10:00 AM
- PT: 9:00 AM
How to Watch Orange Bowl 2026 in the United States
The Orange Bowl 2026 broadcasts live on ESPN. Kickoff starts at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT. Cable subscribers can watch directly on ESPN or stream through the ESPN website and ESPN app using their cable login.
Cord-cutters have many streaming options:
| Service | Price | Channels | DVR | Free Trial | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fubo Pro | $84.99/mo | 219+ | Unlimited | 7 days | Complete sports package |
| Fubo Sports | $55.99/mo | 28 sports | Unlimited | 5 days | Sports-only fans |
| Sling Orange | $45.99/mo | 30+ | 50 hours | Rarely | ESPN on budget |
| Sling Orange + Blue | $60.99/mo | 50+ | 50 hours | Rarely | Best value |
| YouTube TV | $82.99/mo | 100+ | Unlimited | 21 days | Premium package |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99/mo | 95+ | Unlimited | 3 days | Disney bundle |
| DIRECTV STREAM | $89.99/mo | 90+ | Unlimited | 5 days | Most channels |
FuboTV
FuboTV delivers everything sports fans need. The Pro plan costs $84.99 per month and packs 219+ channels. You get unlimited Cloud DVR storage. You can stream on 10 devices at home plus 2 mobile devices.
The Fubo Sports package focuses on sports only at $55.99 per month. The plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, FS1, FS2, NFL Network and more. You get 28 sports channels plus ABC, CBS and Fox in select markets. Fubo Sports includes ESPN Unlimited access at no extra cost.
FuboTV gives new customers a 7-day free trial. Test the service before you spend money. The cloud DVR lets you record games and watch them later.
Sling TV
Sling TV costs less than other streaming services. The Sling Orange package runs $45.99 per month. You get ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and other channels like TNT, AMC and BBC America.
Sling Orange works perfect for sports fans who need ESPN. The package allows one stream at a time. Sling Blue costs $50.99 per month and adds local channels like NBC and Fox in select markets. You get three streams with Sling Blue.
The Sling Orange + Blue combo costs $60.99 per month. This bundle combines all channels from both packages. You get ESPN for sports and local channels for network shows. The combo allows three streams on most channels.
Sling TV runs promotions often. Right now you can get 50% off your first month. New subscribers should check for current deals before signing up.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers a complete streaming package. The service costs $82.99 per month and includes 100+ channels. You get ESPN and all major broadcast networks.
New subscribers pay $72.99 per month for the first three months. This promotional price saves you $30 over three months. YouTube TV provides unlimited cloud DVR storage. Record as many games as you want and keep them for nine months.
The service allows three streams at once. Six people can share one account with separate profiles. YouTube TV features Multiview that shows up to four games at once. This works great for college football Saturdays.
YouTube TV offers up to a 21-day free trial for new subscribers. The company plans to launch a cheaper sports-only package in early 2026. This new plan will include all ESPN networks and ESPN Unlimited.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV bundles streaming with live channels. The service costs $89.99 per month and includes 95+ live channels. You also get Disney+, Hulu on-demand content and ESPN Unlimited at no extra charge.
New subscribers pay $64.99 per month for the first three months. This promotional price saves you $75 over three months. The package includes unlimited cloud DVR and two streams.
Hulu + Live TV works great for families who want live sports and on-demand shows. You get ESPN, FS1 and other sports channels for the Orange Bowl. Your subscription unlocks thousands of movies and shows on Hulu and Disney+.
The service offers a 3-day free trial for the plan with ads. The ad-free version costs $95.99 per month but has no free trial.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM delivers the most channels. The Entertainment package starts at $89.99 per month and includes 90+ channels. You get ESPN, ESPN2, FS1 and local channels where available.
The Choice package costs $94.99 per month and includes 125+ channels. This plan adds regional sports networks for local team coverage. Sports fans who follow hometown teams should pick this option. Regional sports fees can add up to $19.99 per month based on your location.
DIRECTV STREAM now offers Genre Packs. The MySports pack costs $39.99 per month and focuses only on sports channels. You get ESPN, FS1, Golf Channel, Big Ten Network and more. This package includes ESPN Unlimited access.
New customers get a 5-day free trial. DIRECTV also gives three free months of HBO Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, STARZ and other premium channels. All plans include unlimited cloud DVR and up to 20 streams at home.
ESPN Unlimited
ESPN Unlimited changed how fans watch sports. This service combines all ESPN networks into one package. You get ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network and ACC Network. The package also includes ESPN on ABC, ESPN+ and all digital content.
ESPN Unlimited costs $29.99 per month as a standalone service. Many streaming platforms now include ESPN Unlimited with their subscriptions. Fubo Sports, YouTube TV (coming 2026), Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV STREAM qualified plans all include access.
The service streams 47,000 live sports events each year. You get live games, on-demand replays, studio shows and original shows. ESPN Unlimited works across all ESPN apps and platforms. Your subscription gives complete access to everything ESPN offers.
Fans who subscribe to Hulu + Live TV or DIRECTV STREAM get ESPN Unlimited automatically. This adds big value to those streaming packages. You pay one price and access all ESPN content without extra fees.
How to Live Stream Orange Bowl Game in Canada
TSN broadcasts the Orange Bowl in Canada. TSN covers NCAA football throughout the regular season and postseason games.
Cable subscribers watch on TSN through traditional cable services. TSN Direct lets subscribers stream live sports on various devices. The service covers CFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL and Soccer.
TSN Direct has a mobile app for fans on the go. You follow the action from anywhere with internet.
How to Watch the Orange Bowl Online in the UK
Sky Sports shows the Orange Bowl 2026 in the UK. The game airs on Sky Sports NFL or Sky Sports Main Event. Sky Sports subscribers stream the game using the Sky Go app on phones, tablets or laptops.
Now TV works for non-subscribers. You can buy a Sky Sports Day Pass or Month Pass. This lets you watch the game live without a long contract. Now TV works on smart TVs, laptops and mobile devices.
How to Watch the Orange Bowl 2026 in Australia
ESPN Australia broadcasts the Orange Bowl. The game streams through Foxtel and Kayo Sports. Foxtel subscribers watch on their ESPN channel or stream through the Foxtel Go app.
Kayo Sports works great for sports fans who prefer streaming. The service streams ESPN channels live. Kayo also has replays for anyone who misses the live action.
Where to Stream Orange Bowl 2026 in Germany
DAZN shows the Orange Bowl in Germany. The streaming service covers American football. DAZN streams live and on-demand sports.
You watch on smart TVs, consoles, mobile devices or computers. DAZN often has highlight packages and post-game analysis.
How to Stream Orange Bowl 2026 from Anywhere
A VPN helps you stream the Orange Bowl from outside the United States. A VPN changes your virtual location. It makes websites think you access the internet from the U.S. even when abroad.
Connect to a U.S. server first. Then sign up for streaming services like FuboTV, Sling TV or Hulu + Live TV. All these services carry ESPN. Start watching the game live.
Many platforms offer free trials. You can watch the game free by timing your trial right. The process is simple. Connect to a VPN, pick a streaming service with ESPN and start watching. Stream the Orange Bowl live from anywhere.
Can I Watch the Orange Bowl Live Stream Free?
Yes. You watch the Orange Bowl 2026 live stream free through streaming services with free trials. Services like FuboTV, DIRECTV STREAM and YouTube TV offer limited-time free trials. These trials let you stream ESPN live without paying upfront.
Sign up before the game starts. Cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges. You do not commit to a paid subscription.
FuboTV gives a 7-day free trial. The trial includes ESPN and many other live sports channels. Sling TV offers discounted rates and occasional trials. This makes it another option for watching the game at lower cost.
Free trials usually work only for new subscribers. Plan ahead and check eligibility before signing up. You can also use a family member or friend’s ESPN login. Stream the game through WatchESPN or the ESPN app without your own subscription.
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Team Matchup: What to Expect
Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1)
The Red Raiders enter the Orange Bowl as the No. 4 seed and Big 12 Champions. Head coach Joey McGuire leads Texas Tech into their first College Football Playoff appearance. The team has one of the nation’s best defenses.
Texas Tech ranks first in rush defense. They allow just 68.5 yards per game on the ground. The defense allows only 10.9 points per game overall. This defensive power makes them dangerous in any game.
Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez leads the team with 117 tackles, 7 forced fumbles and 4 interceptions. Quarterback Behren Morton has thrown 22 touchdown passes this season. Running back Charles Dickey brings a strong ground game with 14 rushing touchdowns and 1,095 yards.
Texas Tech has won 12 games by 20+ points this season. This ties a historic mark shared with legendary teams from Nebraska, Florida State and Alabama. The Red Raiders average 42.5 points per game while allowing just 254 yards per game.
Oregon Ducks (12-1)
The Ducks enter as the No. 5 seed. Head coach Dan Lanning has Oregon playing at elite level on both sides. This is their second straight CFP appearance and third overall.
Oregon leads the nation with 91 explosive plays of 20+ yards. The offense averages 39.2 points per game. Quarterback Dante Moore has been great with 28 touchdown passes and 3,046 passing yards. He completed 246 of 340 passes this season.
Running back Noah Whittington leads the ground game. The Ducks also have a deep receiving group that makes big plays at any moment. The offense works with good pace and tempo to keep defenses off balance.
Oregon’s defense ranks among the nation’s best. They allow just 16.3 points per game and 271 yards per game. The defense faces a major test against Texas Tech’s balanced attack.
Series History
Oregon leads the all-time series 3-0. The teams last met in 2023 when the Ducks won 38-30 in Lubbock. This is the fourth meeting between these programs since 1991.
Both teams make their first-ever Orange Bowl appearance. The winner advances to face either Alabama or Indiana in the Peach Bowl semifinals.
Game Predictions
Betting lines favor Oregon by 1.5 to 2.5 points. This makes the game basically a toss-up. The over/under sits at 51.5 to 52.5 total points.
Experts split on predictions. Some favor Oregon’s experience and quarterback play. Others believe Texas Tech’s dominant defense will make the difference. Both teams rank in the top 11 nationally for scoring offense and defense.
The matchup features two mirror programs. Points per game, yards allowed and defensive stats line up almost identical. This sets up a competitive, hard-fought quarterfinal battle.
Game Day Experience
Capital One Orange Bowl Fan Fest
All ticket holders enjoy FREE Capital One Orange Bowl Fan Fest on game day. The event runs from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM ET at Hard Rock Stadium’s South Lot.
The Fan Fest has live performances by country group Parmalee. You enjoy interactive games, food vendors and giveaways. Capital One cardholders get front-of-stage pit access for the concert.
Arrive early to experience all pre-game fun before the noon kickoff. The Fan Fest provides entertainment for the whole family.
Halftime Entertainment
Multi-platinum rock band Third Eye Blind headlines the Capital One Halftime Show. The band has sold over 12 million records worldwide since 1997. They recorded ten studio albums and built a loyal fan base across generations.
Third Eye Blind joins an impressive list of recent Orange Bowl halftime acts. Past performers include Nate Smith, Fitz and The Tantrums, Walker Hayes and Flo Rida.
Orange Bowl 2026 FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
How Can I Get Orange Bowl Tickets?
Tickets for the Orange Bowl 2026 are extremely limited. Verified resale tickets are available through Ticketmaster and orangebowl.org.
Premium suite experiences remain available. Call 305-341-4701 or email tickets@orangebowl.org for suite information. Suites include custom catering, dedicated attendants, in-suite TVs and parking passes.
All ticket holders must use the Capital One Orange Bowl Mobile App. Download the app on iOS or Android devices to manage tickets. The app is required for stadium entry.
What Time Should I Arrive at Hard Rock Stadium?
Gates open several hours before kickoff. The Fan Fest starts at 8:00 AM and kickoff happens at noon. Arrive between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. This gives you time to enjoy all pre-game festivities.
How Do I Get to Hard Rock Stadium?
Hard Rock Stadium sits about 15 miles north of Downtown Miami. Take I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike to reach the stadium. Parking passes can be bought in advance through the Orange Bowl website.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide easy transportation. Uber Shuttle offers flat-fare shared rides from Brickell with dedicated stadium drop-off. This option saves money compared to regular rideshare pricing.
Who Won the Last Orange Bowl Game?
Notre Dame Fighting Irish won the 2025 Orange Bowl. They beat Penn State 27-24 in a College Football Playoff Semifinal on January 9, 2025. The game went down to the wire with both teams fighting for a national championship spot.
What Happens After the Orange Bowl 2026?
The winner advances to the College Football Playoff Semifinals at the Peach Bowl. This game happens on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Orange Bowl winner faces the Rose Bowl winner. Alabama and Indiana play in the Rose Bowl to decide that opponent. The national championship game happens on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
What are the Betting Odds?
Major sportsbooks favor Oregon by 1.5 to 2.5 points. This spread makes the game basically a pick ’em. The over/under is set at 51.5 to 52.5 total points.
Both teams have elite defenses and explosive offenses. The close odds show how evenly matched these programs are. Either team can win this quarterfinal battle.
The Orange Bowl 2026 brings elite college football on New Year’s Day. You have many ways to watch free through streaming trials or affordable packages starting at $45.99 per month. Both teams bring championship talent to Miami for a game that should go down to the wire.