How to Watch New Mexico State vs. Sam Houston on DIRECTV: ESPN2 Channel 209 on Wednesday Night
New Mexico State visits Sam Houston on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT, 6 p.m. MT) at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas. The Conference USA game airs nationally on ESPN2, which is DIRECTV channel 209.
ESPN2 comes with every DIRECTV package from ENTERTAINMENT up, so most subscribers already have this one. The Aggies come in rested after a bye week, and Sam Houston is still looking for its first Conference USA win of the season. Here's how to watch New Mexico State vs. Sam Houston, as of October 19, 2026.
New Mexico State vs. Sam Houston at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 6 p.m. MT / 5 p.m. PT |
| Stadium | Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, Huntsville, Texas |
| Matchup | New Mexico State Aggies at Sam Houston Bearkats (Conference USA) |
| TV | ESPN2 (national), with Jorge Sedano, Rodney McLeod and Kendra Douglas |
| DIRECTV channel | 209 |
| Package | ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER; also in the MySports Genre Pack |
| Streaming | DIRECTV app, or the ESPN app with DIRECTV as your TV provider |
| Radio | 99.5 FM KXPZ (New Mexico State); 90.5 FM (Sam Houston) |
| Records (through Oct. 18) | New Mexico State 2-4 (1-1 CUSA); Sam Houston 1-5 (0-2 CUSA) |
What channel is New Mexico State vs. Sam Houston on DIRECTV?
Tune to ESPN2 on channel 209. New Mexico State Athletics lists the game on ESPN2 with Jorge Sedano on play-by-play, Rodney McLeod as the analyst and Kendra Douglas on the sideline, and Sam Houston's 2026 broadcast schedule has the same network. DIRECTV includes ESPN2 in ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER, and it's also part of the MySports Genre Pack. Our ESPN on DIRECTV guide covers ESPN2 and the other ESPN networks, and the DIRECTV package channel comparison shows what each tier includes.
Press GUIDE and search "Sam Houston" or "New Mexico State" to set a recording. If channel 209 shows as not subscribed, call 1-855-690-9884 to check your package before Wednesday night.
How to stream New Mexico State vs. Sam Houston
You can stream ESPN2 live in the DIRECTV app with your DIRECTV login, or in the ESPN app by signing in with DIRECTV as your TV provider. On a DIRECTV Gemini device, just tune to 209 like any other channel. The night before, South Alabama at Marshall is on the same channel, and our South Alabama vs. Marshall guide has those details.
New Mexico State vs. Sam Houston game preview
New Mexico State is 2-4 and coming off a 22-3 loss at FIU, followed by a bye that gave the Aggies 13 full days off. Their wins came against Mercyhurst (51-14) and Western Kentucky (34-13), and the WKU game on October 1 was the program's first win in a Conference USA opener. Running back James Jones leads Conference USA in rushing at 99.8 yards per game, with 599 yards on 92 carries. Quarterback Trey Hedden has thrown for 906 yards, TK King leads the receivers with 20 catches for 286 yards, defensive end Gabe Peterson has 4.5 sacks, second in the league, and safety Nick Session leads the team with 50 tackles.
Sam Houston is 1-5 and has been outscored 51-6 in two league games, a 35-3 loss at Liberty and a 16-3 home loss to Western Kentucky last week. The Bearkats' only win was 59-0 over Nicholls. Their pass defense is a strength, allowing 137.8 yards per game, fourth in the country according to New Mexico State Athletics, but their offense averages 95.0 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Landyn Locke has thrown for 1,418 yards with 11 touchdowns and 4 interceptions, Chris Reed leads the receivers with 289 yards, and Dean Ford leads the defense with 38 tackles.
Wednesday is the fourth all-time meeting between the schools and New Mexico State's second trip to Huntsville. Sam Houston is also holding a Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the game. After this week, Sam Houston plays at Missouri State on Tuesday, October 27, and New Mexico State hosts Jacksonville State on Wednesday, October 28, both on ESPN2. For the rest of the week's games, see our Week 8 college football TV schedule on DIRECTV.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is New Mexico State vs. Sam Houston on DIRECTV?
It's on ESPN2, DIRECTV channel 209. ESPN2 is included with ENTERTAINMENT, CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER, and with the MySports Genre Pack.
What time is New Mexico State vs. Sam Houston?
Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT, 6 p.m. MT) on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Elliott T. Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas.
Can I stream New Mexico State vs. Sam Houston with DIRECTV?
Yes. Stream ESPN2 live in the DIRECTV app with your DIRECTV login, or in the ESPN app by signing in with DIRECTV as your TV provider.
Who is calling the game on ESPN2?
Jorge Sedano has play-by-play, Rodney McLeod is the analyst and Kendra Douglas is on the sideline, according to New Mexico State Athletics.
What are the teams' records?
New Mexico State is 2-4 (1-1 Conference USA) and Sam Houston is 1-5 (0-2 Conference USA) heading into Wednesday.
Who do New Mexico State and Sam Houston play next?
Sam Houston plays at Missouri State on Tuesday, October 27, and New Mexico State hosts Jacksonville State on Wednesday, October 28. Both games are on ESPN2.
Want ESPN2 and the rest of the ESPN networks for every weeknight game? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 19, 2026 from New Mexico State Athletics' game preview (Oct. 18, 2026), Sam Houston Athletics' game center and 2026 broadcast schedule, 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. New Mexico State, Sam Houston, Conference USA, ESPN2, ESPN, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.