How to Watch Kansas vs. Kansas State on DIRECTV: Sunflower Showdown Time, Channel and Streaming
Kansas visits Kansas State on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at noon ET (11 a.m. CT) on FS1, which is channel 219 on DIRECTV. The Dillons Sunflower Showdown is at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas, with Eric Collins on play-by-play and Spencer Tillman as the analyst.
This is the 124th meeting between the in-state rivals and the 117th straight year they’ve played, one of the longest uninterrupted series in major college football. Kansas State has won the last 17 meetings, and Kansas hasn’t beaten the Wildcats since 2008. Here’s how to watch Kansas-Kansas State on DIRECTV, as of October 15, 2026.
Kansas vs. Kansas State: date, time and channel
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| Kickoff | Noon ET (11 a.m. CT) |
| Stadium | Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Manhattan, Kansas |
| Conference | Big 12 |
| TV | FS1 |
| DIRECTV channel | 219 |
| Streaming | FOX Sports app, FOX One or the DIRECTV app |
| Broadcast team | Eric Collins, Spencer Tillman |
| Records | Kansas State 3-2 (0-2 Big 12); Kansas 2-3, through October 15 |
What channel is Kansas vs. Kansas State on DIRECTV?
The game is on FS1, channel 219. FS1 is included starting with the DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT package. It’s an early kickoff, so set a recording Friday night if you won’t be home: press Guide and search “Kansas State.”
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Starting package |
|---|---|---|
| FS1 | 219 | ENTERTAINMENT and up |
| FOX (other Big 12 games Saturday) | Local FOX station (varies by market) | Core packages, where local channels are available |
Our guide to what channel FS1 is on DIRECTV has more on 219. Compare tiers in our DIRECTV package channel comparison, or call 1-855-690-9884 and we’ll confirm FS1 is in your lineup.
How to stream Kansas vs. Kansas State
- FOX Sports app: sign in with your DIRECTV login to stream FS1 live where supported.
- FOX One: FOX’s streaming service carries FS1. Our guide on whether FOX One is free with DIRECTV explains how it works for DIRECTV customers.
- DIRECTV app: watch FS1 live on a phone, tablet or streaming device with your DIRECTV login.
- Radio: the K-State Sports Network starts at 9 a.m. CT, and the game is on SiriusXM channel 173 or 237.
How Kansas and Kansas State got here
Results so far, from team athletics sites as of October 15, 2026:
| Kansas State (3-2, 0-2 Big 12) | Kansas (2-3) |
|---|---|
| W 71-3 vs. Nicholls | W 51-6 vs. LIU |
| W 34-7 vs. Washington State | L 21-38 vs. Missouri |
| W 31-20 vs. Tulane | L 17-24 vs. Arizona State |
| L 26-31 at Cincinnati | W 55-0 vs. Middle Tennessee |
| L 16-35 vs. Houston | L 24-41 at Utah |
Local help: DIRECTV channels for Kansas.
Kansas vs. Kansas State storylines
- K-State’s 17-game streak: the Wildcats have won every Sunflower Showdown since 2009 and 30 of the last 35 meetings dating to 1991. Kansas’ last win in the series was 52-21 in Lawrence in 2008.
- A rare morning kickoff in Manhattan: it’s the first time the Wildcats have hosted Kansas in a morning game since 2020, after the last two meetings at Bill Snyder Family Stadium were night games. It’s also Kansas’ first FS1 game of the season.
- Collin Klein’s first rivalry game: the former K-State quarterback is in his first season as head coach, and quarterback Avery Johnson is chasing the school’s career passing and touchdown records.
- Both teams need a bounce-back: K-State has dropped two straight after losing at Cincinnati and at home to Houston, and Kansas is coming off a 41-24 loss at Utah.
- What’s next: Kansas hosts Baylor for homecoming on October 24, and Kansas State visits Arizona State the same day.
Big 12 games on Saturday, October 17
| Game | Kickoff (ET) | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas at Kansas State | Noon | FS1 (DIRECTV 219) |
| Cincinnati at West Virginia | Noon | TNT (DIRECTV 245) |
| Arizona State at Texas Tech | 3:30 p.m. | FOX (local) |
| TCU at Baylor | 7 p.m. | FS1 (DIRECTV 219) |
| Notre Dame at BYU | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (local) |
| Oklahoma State at Houston | 7:30 p.m. | FOX (local) |
| Utah at Colorado | 10:15 p.m. | ESPN or ESPN2 (206 or 209) |
The Week 7 college football TV schedule on DIRECTV has every conference for October 13-17.
Want FS1, your locals and the rest of the Big 12 lineup in one package? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Kansas vs. Kansas State on DIRECTV?
Kansas vs. Kansas State is on FS1, which is DIRECTV channel 219. FS1 is included starting with the ENTERTAINMENT package.
What time does Kansas vs. Kansas State start?
Kickoff is noon ET (11 a.m. CT) on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas.
Can I stream Kansas vs. Kansas State?
Yes. Stream FS1 in the FOX Sports app with your DIRECTV login where supported, on FOX One, or in the DIRECTV app.
Who is calling Kansas vs. Kansas State on FS1?
Eric Collins has play-by-play and Spencer Tillman is the analyst.
When did Kansas last beat Kansas State?
Kansas last won the Sunflower Showdown 52-21 in Lawrence in 2008. Kansas State has won the last 17 meetings.
What are Kansas’ and Kansas State’s records?
Through October 15, 2026, Kansas State is 3-2 (0-2 Big 12) and Kansas is 2-3.
Need help confirming FS1 is in your DIRECTV lineup before the early kickoff? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 15, 2026 from the Kansas State Athletics and University of Kansas Athletics kickoff announcements (October 5, 2026), the Kansas State game notes (October 12, 2026), the FOX Sports Week 7 schedule, Big 12 TV selections for October 17, and live AmericanTV.com channel guides. Records reflect games through October 15, 2026. Channel lineups, package contents, offers and prices vary by address and may change. Kansas, Kansas State, Big 12, FOX, FS1, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.