How to Watch Penn State vs. Northwestern on DIRECTV: Friday Night Kickoff Time, Channel and Streaming
Big Ten football takes over Friday night this week. Penn State visits Northwestern on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, and it is the first game ever played at the new Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. If you have DIRECTV, you can watch on your local FOX station on satellite or streaming, or sign in to the FOX One app with your DIRECTV login where your plan qualifies.
Here is the kickoff time, channel, streaming options and a quick look at the matchup.
Penn State vs. Northwestern: quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, October 2, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT |
| TV channel | FOX (your local FOX station) |
| Live stream | FOX One |
| Stadium | Ryan Field, Evanston, Ill. (stadium debut) |
What channel is Penn State vs. Northwestern on DIRECTV?
The game airs nationally on FOX, so on DIRECTV you watch it on your local FOX affiliate. There is no single national FOX channel number; the number depends on your market. The fastest way to find it is to open the on-screen guide and search "FOX," or check the local channels section of your guide.
- DIRECTV satellite: local channels are available with any core TV package where DIRECTV offers locals for your address.
- DIRECTV streaming: packages that include local channels carry your FOX station where available. Confirm your ZIP code includes FOX before game night.
Not sure your plan includes your local FOX station? Call American TV at 1-855-690-9884 and we can check your address.
How to stream the game with FOX One and DIRECTV
FOX is streaming the game on FOX One, FOX's live streaming service. DIRECTV says its customers can access FOX networks and the FOX One app as part of their subscription, with FOX One included on qualifying plans. To use it:
- Open the FOX One app or go to fox.com.
- Choose TV Provider Sign In and select DIRECTV.
- Sign in with your DIRECTV username and password.
What you can watch through a provider sign-in follows the channels in your DIRECTV package. The DIRECTV app is another way to watch on a phone or tablet where your local channels are available to stream.
Without a TV provider, FOX One costs $19.99 per month after a 3-day free trial. FOX's discounted first-year annual plan of $99 (regularly $199.99) ends September 30, 2026.
Game preview: a new stadium and a rematch of a one-point game
Friday marks the debut of Northwestern's new Ryan Field, and the Wildcats open it against a program they have had trouble beating. Some key numbers:
- Series: Penn State leads 16-6, including a 7-3 record on the road. This is the 23rd meeting.
- Last year: Northwestern won 22-21 in 2025, which ended Penn State's three-game winning streak in the series.
- Rankings: Penn State comes in at No. 22 in one major poll and receiving votes in the other. Northwestern is receiving votes in both.
- Northwestern: the Wildcats are 2-1 after a 29-23 loss at Indiana last Friday, when quarterback Aidan Chiles threw for 293 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing score.
- Penn State on Fridays: the Nittany Lions are 17-8-1 all-time in Friday games and 3-0 in Friday night games against Big Ten opponents.
- Takeaways: Penn State intercepted three passes against Wisconsin last week, including a 51-yard pick-six by Josiah Zayas, and has eight takeaways this season.
It is also Penn State's first season under head coach Matt Campbell.
Other FOX Sports channels on DIRECTV this weekend
FOX's college football weekend continues Saturday, and Michigan vs. Minnesota (the Little Brown Jug) kicks off at noon ET on FOX. For games and shows on FOX's cable networks, these are the DIRECTV channel numbers:
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Satellite packages |
|---|---|---|
| FOX (local) | Varies by market | Any core package where locals are offered |
| FS1 | 219 | ENTERTAINMENT and up |
| Big Ten Network (BTN) | 610 | CHOICE and up |
| FS2 | 618 | ULTIMATE and up |
| FOX Deportes | 465 | Spanish-language packages; check your lineup |
For more on FOX's sports channels, see what channel FS1 is on DIRECTV.
Other ways to watch
- Antenna: FOX is a broadcast network, so if you are in range of a FOX station you can pick up the game free over the air.
Want FOX, FS1 and Big Ten Network in one package for the rest of the season? See DIRECTV options near you or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Penn State vs. Northwestern?
Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT, 5 p.m. PT) on Friday, October 2, 2026.
What channel is the Penn State game on?
FOX. On DIRECTV, tune to your local FOX station; the channel number varies by market, so search "FOX" in your guide.
Can I stream Penn State vs. Northwestern?
Yes. It streams on FOX One. DIRECTV customers on qualifying plans can sign in to FOX One with their DIRECTV login, or use the DIRECTV app where local channels are available to stream.
Where is the game being played?
At the new Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. Friday's game is the stadium's first.
Need help getting FOX on DIRECTV before kickoff? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed September 29, 2026. Kickoff times and TV assignments are set by the Big Ten and FOX and may change. Local channel availability, channel numbers, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. FOX, FOX One, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.