How to Watch Northwestern vs. Michigan State: Noon Kickoff, Peacock Streaming and DIRECTV Tips
No. 25 Northwestern visits Michigan State on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at noon ET (11 a.m. CT) at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. The Big Ten game streams on Peacock, and Michigan State Athletics lists no TV channel.
That means you won’t find this game on a numbered DIRECTV channel. DIRECTV customers watch it in the Peacock app, which comes preloaded on DIRECTV Gemini devices, with a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus plan. Here’s how to watch Northwestern vs. Michigan State, as of October 16, 2026.
Northwestern vs. Michigan State at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| Kickoff | Noon ET / 11 a.m. CT |
| Stadium | Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, Mich. |
| Matchup | No. 25 Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan State Spartans (Big Ten) |
| Streaming | Peacock (Premium or Premium Plus) |
| DIRECTV channel | None; watch in the Peacock app |
| Peacock price | Premium $12.99 a month or $129.99 a year; Premium Plus $19.99 a month |
| Broadcast team | Paul Burmeister (play-by-play), Yogi Roth (analyst), Caroline Pineda (sideline) |
| Radio (MSU) | Spartan Media Network; WJR 760 AM Detroit, WMMQ 94.9 FM Lansing; SiriusXM 85 |
| Records | Northwestern 4-1 (1-1 Big Ten); Michigan State 2-4 (0-3 Big Ten) |
| All-time series | 61st meeting; Michigan State leads 40-20 (19-9 in East Lansing) |
Is Northwestern vs. Michigan State on DIRECTV?
Not on a DIRECTV channel. The Big Ten placed this game on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, and Michigan State lists Peacock as its only TV and streaming outlet, with no NBC or Big Ten Network telecast listed. Searching the DIRECTV channel guide won’t turn it up.
The easiest DIRECTV path is a Gemini device. Peacock comes preloaded there, so open APPS, sign in to Peacock and search “Michigan State” or “Northwestern” a few minutes before kickoff. You can also watch on a smart TV, streaming stick, phone, tablet or computer with the Peacock app or peacocktv.com. Our DIRECTV Gemini device guide covers the app setup.
Peacock plans for Big Ten football
- Peacock Premium: $12.99 a month or $129.99 a year with ads, per Peacock’s help center. Live sports are on Premium and Premium Plus.
- Peacock Premium Plus: $19.99 a month, with fewer ads on most shows and movies and offline downloads.
- Annual and promo plans: Peacock says annual subscribers and anyone on an active promotion keep their current price until that plan or offer ends.
See our Peacock 2026 price increase guide for the full plan breakdown, and how to subscribe to Peacock for sign-up steps. If you’re new to the service, what is Peacock streaming explains what’s included.
Northwestern vs. Michigan State game preview
Saturday has storylines on both sidelines. Michigan State coach Pat Fitzgerald spent 17 seasons as Northwestern’s head coach (2006-22) and won 110 games there, a school record. He faces the Wildcats for the first time in his first season in East Lansing. Northwestern quarterback Aidan Chiles played 21 games for Michigan State in 2024 and 2025 before transferring, and he has 9 touchdown passes and no interceptions this year.
Northwestern is 4-1 and entered the AP Top 25 this week at No. 25 after a 45-14 win over Ball State. Its only loss was 29-23 at Indiana on September 25, and it beat Penn State 34-13 on October 2 to open the new Ryan Field. See our Penn State vs. Northwestern preview for that game.
Michigan State is 2-4 after a 38-37 overtime loss to Illinois last Saturday, when the Spartans scored a touchdown in overtime and then missed a two-point try for the win. Running back Jaziun Patterson scored four touchdowns in that game. The Spartans have won three straight in the series, including a 38-21 win in the 2021 opener at Northwestern.
For the rest of Saturday’s games and channels, see our Week 7 college football TV schedule on DIRECTV. Want Big Ten Network, FOX, NBC and ESPN for the rest of the Big Ten season? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is Northwestern vs. Michigan State on DIRECTV?
It isn't on a DIRECTV channel. The game streams only on Peacock, so DIRECTV customers watch it in the Peacock app, which is preloaded on DIRECTV Gemini devices.
What time is Northwestern vs. Michigan State?
Kickoff is noon ET (11 a.m. CT) on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.
Do I need Peacock to watch Northwestern vs. Michigan State?
Yes. Peacock is the only TV and streaming outlet Michigan State lists for the game. You need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus plan.
How much is Peacock?
Peacock Premium is $12.99 a month or $129.99 a year, and Premium Plus is $19.99 a month.
Who is calling Northwestern vs. Michigan State?
Paul Burmeister has play-by-play, Yogi Roth is the analyst and Caroline Pineda reports from the sideline on Peacock.
What are the teams' records?
No. 25 Northwestern is 4-1 (1-1 Big Ten) and Michigan State is 2-4 (0-3 Big Ten) heading into Saturday.
Want Big Ten Network and the rest of college football Saturday on DIRECTV? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 16, 2026 from Michigan State Athletics’ kickoff announcement (Oct. 5, 2026) and Northwestern game preview (Oct. 13, 2026), Peacock help center pricing and price-increase pages and live AmericanTV.com Peacock and DIRECTV guides. Kickoff times, streaming assignments, Peacock prices and plan features, app availability on DIRECTV devices and package contents can change and may vary by account and address. Big Ten, Northwestern, Michigan State, Peacock, NBCUniversal, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.