How to Watch Auburn vs. Tennessee on DIRECTV: Channel, Kickoff Time and Streaming
Auburn visits No. 17 Tennessee on Saturday, October 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. The SEC matchup airs nationally on ESPN, which is channel 206 on DIRECTV. Both teams are 3-1, and it's the first time Auburn has played in Knoxville since 2013.
Here's how to watch on DIRECTV, how to stream it and where to listen.
Quick answer
- Date and time: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT).
- Network: ESPN, with Bob Wischusen, Louis Riddick and Stormy Buonantony.
- DIRECTV channel: 206, included with every DIRECTV package.
- Streaming: the ESPN app, with your DIRECTV login or ESPN Unlimited.
- Radio: Vol Network (WIVK-FM 107.7 in Knoxville) and the Auburn Sports Network.
Auburn vs. Tennessee: date, time and channel
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 3, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT |
| Stadium | Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tenn. (gates open 12:30 p.m. ET) |
| TV | ESPN (national) |
| DIRECTV channel | 206 |
| Broadcast crew | Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (analyst), Stormy Buonantony (sideline) |
| Streaming | ESPN app (TV provider sign-in or ESPN Unlimited) |
| Records | Auburn 3-1 (1-1 SEC), Tennessee 3-1 (0-1 SEC) |
What channel is Auburn vs. Tennessee on DIRECTV?
The game is on ESPN, channel 206. ESPN comes with every DIRECTV package, starting with ENTERTAINMENT, so any DIRECTV satellite or streaming customer with a standard package can watch. Because it's a national ESPN broadcast, there are no regional restrictions to worry about.
ESPN2 sits nearby on channel 209 and is also in every package, which helps on busy college football Saturdays when ESPN's networks carry several games at once. For more on ESPN's sister channel, see what channel ESPN2 is on DIRECTV.
Watching Auburn vs. Tennessee with DIRECTV streaming
DIRECTV's streaming service includes ESPN in every package, with no annual contract and no dish.
| Option | ESPN? | Advertised price |
|---|---|---|
| ENTERTAINMENT | Yes | $89.99/mo |
| CHOICE | Yes (adds SEC Network) | $94.99/mo |
| ULTIMATE | Yes | $124.99/mo |
| PREMIER | Yes | $169.99/mo |
| MySports Genre Pack | Yes | $64.99/mo ($44.99/mo for 6 months for qualifying new customers through Oct. 3) |
Prices are before taxes and fees, and introductory discounts may lower the first months. A regional sports fee may apply to CHOICE and higher depending on your ZIP code. If you follow the SEC every week, the MySports Genre Pack pairs ESPN and ESPN2 with SEC Network, local channels where available and the ESPN Unlimited plan. Call 1-855-690-9884 to check what's available where you live.
How to stream Auburn vs. Tennessee
- ESPN app: sign in with your DIRECTV account to stream ESPN live on a phone, tablet, smart TV or streaming device.
- ESPN Unlimited: included at no extra cost for DIRECTV satellite customers whose base package includes ESPN 206, for streaming customers on a Signature package (excluding ÓPTIMO MÁS) and with the MySports Genre Pack. Activate it from DIRECTV's email or from My TV package in your account.
- DIRECTV app: streams the ESPN feed in your package at home or on the go.
Auburn vs. Tennessee on the radio
- Tennessee: the Vol Network, about 70 stations across Tennessee and the Southeast. In Knoxville, listen on WIVK-FM 107.7 or WNML-FM 99.1. It's also on SiriusXM (channel 179 or 229) and the Varsity app.
- Auburn: the Auburn Sports Network, with Andy Burcham, Jason Campbell and Bret Eddins.
Auburn vs. Tennessee storylines
- Tennessee is No. 17 and looking to bounce back from a 20-17 home loss to top-ranked Texas. The Vols opened 3-0, including a 45-24 win at Georgia Tech.
- Tennessee true freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon has thrown seven touchdown passes and no interceptions in his first four starts.
- Auburn is 3-1 under coach Alex Golesh, a familiar face in Knoxville. The Tigers beat Vanderbilt 21-15 last week for Golesh's first SEC win, and this is their first road game of the season.
- Auburn leads the all-time series 29-22-3 and has won seven of the last eight meetings, but trails 10-14-2 in Knoxville. This is the 55th meeting, dating to 1900.
- The last time Auburn played at Neyland Stadium, in 2013, it won 55-23. Tennessee's most recent win in the series was 30-24 at Auburn in 2018.
- It's Tennessee's Neyland Legacy game, marking 100 years since Gen. Robert Neyland's first season as coach in 1926. The Vols will wear their Smokey Grey alternate uniforms, and the school is also holding its Champions Weekend.
Want ESPN and SEC Network for the rest of the season? Call American TV at 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Auburn vs. Tennessee on DIRECTV?
ESPN, channel 206. It's included with every DIRECTV package.
What time does Auburn vs. Tennessee start?
Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT) on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Is Auburn vs. Tennessee on national TV?
Yes. ESPN is carrying it nationally.
Can I stream Auburn vs. Tennessee?
Yes. Stream ESPN in the ESPN app or the DIRECTV app with your DIRECTV login. Every DIRECTV streaming package includes ESPN.
Who is announcing Auburn vs. Tennessee?
Bob Wischusen on play-by-play, Louis Riddick as analyst and Stormy Buonantony on the sideline.
More Saturday games: Ohio State vs. Iowa and Miami vs. Clemson. Looking ahead, see our Week 6 college football TV schedule. Questions about your package? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 2, 2026. Kickoff times and networks are set by the SEC and ESPN and may change. Records and rankings are as of the week of September 28. Channel lineups, package contents, offers and prices vary by address and may change. SEC, DIRECTV, ESPN and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.
More October 3 college football: Vanderbilt vs. Georgia, Auburn vs. Tennessee, Florida vs. Missouri, Purdue vs. Illinois and Baylor vs. Arizona State.