How to Watch Liberty vs. Kennesaw State on DIRECTV: CBS Sports Network Channel 221 on Thursday Night
Liberty visits Kennesaw State on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia. The Conference USA game airs nationally on CBS Sports Network, which is DIRECTV channel 221.
Liberty is 5-1 and unbeaten in league play, while Kennesaw State has won the last three meetings, including last year's double-overtime finale. CBS Sports Network isn't in every DIRECTV package, so check your lineup before kickoff. Here's how to watch Liberty vs. Kennesaw State, as of October 19, 2026.
Liberty vs. Kennesaw State at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, October 22, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. PT |
| Stadium | Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium, Kennesaw, Georgia |
| Matchup | Liberty Flames at Kennesaw State Owls (Conference USA) |
| TV | CBS Sports Network (national) |
| DIRECTV channel | 221 |
| Package | ULTIMATE and PREMIER; also in the MySports Genre Pack |
| Streaming | DIRECTV app with your DIRECTV login, if your package includes CBS Sports Network |
| Radio | KSU Owl Network; SiriusXM channel 262 |
| Records (through Oct. 18) | Liberty 5-1 (2-0 CUSA); Kennesaw State 1-5 (0-2 CUSA) |
What channel is Liberty vs. Kennesaw State on DIRECTV?
Tune to CBS Sports Network on channel 221. Kennesaw State Athletics lists the 7 p.m. kickoff on CBS Sports Network, and Liberty's game center has the same time. DIRECTV carries CBS Sports Network in the ULTIMATE and PREMIER packages, and it's also part of the MySports Genre Pack. Our CBS Sports Network on DIRECTV guide has the channel details, and the DIRECTV package channel comparison shows which tier you're on.
If channel 221 shows as not subscribed, you'll need a package upgrade or the MySports Genre Pack before Thursday night. Press GUIDE and search "Liberty" or "Kennesaw State" to set a recording, or call 1-855-690-9884 to add CBS Sports Network before kickoff.
How to stream Liberty vs. Kennesaw State
If your DIRECTV package includes CBS Sports Network, you can watch the game live in the DIRECTV app on a phone, tablet, computer or streaming device by signing in with your DIRECTV account. On a DIRECTV Gemini device, just tune to 221 like any other channel. Kennesaw State also carries the radio call on SiriusXM channel 262 if you're in the car at kickoff.
Liberty vs. Kennesaw State game preview
Liberty has won five straight since a 20-13 season-opening loss at James Madison, beating Gardner-Webb, Ball State, Coastal Carolina, Delaware and, most recently, Sam Houston 35-3 on October 8. The Flames have had nearly two weeks off since. Quarterback Deshawn Purdie has thrown for 1,050 yards with 8 touchdowns and no interceptions, running back Kam Davis has 524 rushing yards and 4 scores, and Makai Jackson has 515 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns on 22 catches. Liberty's defense allows 15.3 points per game, 15th in FBS, and its offense runs for 223.0 yards per game, according to ESPN.
Kennesaw State is 1-5, but its last three losses came by three points or fewer: 17-14 at Arkansas State, 27-26 to Jacksonville State and 24-21 at Missouri State last week. Kennesaw State Athletics says no FBS team has more losses that close. Quarterback Rickie Collins has thrown for 1,302 yards and leads the Owls with 271 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns, and receiver Dylan Gary tied the program record with 10 catches for 135 yards at Missouri State. Linebacker Tywon Christopher has 27 tackles over the last two games, and defensive lineman Ugonna Nwoha leads the team with 5.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks.
Kennesaw State leads the series 3-2. Liberty won the first two meetings, and the Owls have won the last three, including 27-24 in 2024 and 48-42 in double overtime in last year's regular-season finale, which sent Kennesaw State to the 2025 Conference USA Championship Game. After Thursday, Kennesaw State plays at Middle Tennessee on Wednesday, October 28, and Liberty hosts FIU on Saturday, October 31, both on CBS Sports Network. For the rest of the week's games, see our Week 8 college football TV schedule on DIRECTV.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Liberty vs. Kennesaw State on DIRECTV?
It's on CBS Sports Network, DIRECTV channel 221. DIRECTV includes CBS Sports Network in its ULTIMATE and PREMIER packages and the MySports Genre Pack.
What time is Liberty vs. Kennesaw State?
Kickoff is 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT) on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Walens Family Field at Fifth Third Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia.
Can I stream Liberty vs. Kennesaw State with DIRECTV?
Yes, if your package includes CBS Sports Network. Sign in to the DIRECTV app with your DIRECTV account and tune to the CBS Sports Network live channel.
What are the teams' records?
Liberty is 5-1 (2-0 Conference USA) and Kennesaw State is 1-5 (0-2 Conference USA) heading into Thursday.
Who leads the Liberty vs. Kennesaw State series?
Kennesaw State leads 3-2 and has won the last three meetings, including 48-42 in double overtime in the 2025 regular-season finale.
Who do Liberty and Kennesaw State play next?
Kennesaw State plays at Middle Tennessee on Wednesday, October 28, and Liberty hosts FIU on Saturday, October 31, both on CBS Sports Network.
Need CBS Sports Network for Thursday night? Call 1-855-690-9884 to check DIRECTV packages at your address.
Details reviewed October 19, 2026 from Kennesaw State Athletics' game preview (Oct. 19, 2026), Liberty Athletics' game center and series history, ESPN team schedules and season stats, and live AmericanTV.com DIRECTV channel and package guides. Kickoff times, TV assignments, channel numbers and package contents can change and may vary by account and address. Liberty, Kennesaw State, Conference USA, CBS Sports Network, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.