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7 Best Streaming Sites to Watch Rice vs. Texas State Live - Armed Forces Bowl
Rice vs. Texas State Live - Armed Forces Bowl

Rice and Texas State meet in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on Friday, January 2, 2026, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET from Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. The broadcast home is ESPN, which means cord-cutters have several reliable, legal ways to stream the game without a traditional cable box.

Read more:

- College Football Schedule Jan. 1–2: Game Times, Previews, Where to Watch & Streaming Guidance

- 3 Best Streaming Sites to Watch Live SMU vs. Arizona - Holiday Bowl

- 7 Best Streaming Sites to Watch Rice vs. Texas State Live - Armed Forces Bowl

- How to Watch Live Navy vs. Cincinnati (Liberty Bowl) Without Cables

Tips for a Smooth Game Stream

• Start 10–15 minutes early to avoid login issues right at kickoff.

• Use Wi-Fi or Ethernet you trust (stadium/public Wi-Fi can be rough).

• Avoid sketchy “free streams.” They’re unreliable, spammy, and often illegal. The options above are the safest and most consistent.

1) ESPN (Watch) — The Official Streaming Home

If you already have a pay-TV login (cable, satellite, or a live-TV streaming subscription that includes ESPN), the simplest option is ESPN’s official streaming platform.

  • Stream site: https://www.espn.com/watch/ ESPN.com

  • Why it’s great: Reliable stream, fast access, and you’re watching directly through ESPN.

  • What you need: A participating TV provider login (or a supported live-TV streaming subscription).

This is the most “set it and forget it” choice if you’re already paying for ESPN somewhere.

2) ESPN Unlimited / ESPN Direct-to-Consumer — ESPN Without Cable

ESPN’s newer direct-to-consumer approach is also becoming a major option for fans who want ESPN channels via streaming. You’ll see it referenced in current ESPN streaming/bundle coverage and offerings.

  • Info hub: https://plus.espn.com/ plus.espn.com

  • Why it’s great: Designed for people who want ESPN through streaming rather than cable.

  • Quick note: Availability, tiers, and what’s included can vary by plan and region, so confirm ESPN channel access before game time.

If you want an ESPN-first solution (and may watch more college sports afterward), this is worth checking first.

Read more: How Low-Income Americans Can Watch TV for Free (or Under $3 a Month) in 2026

3) Fubo — Strong for Sports Fans (Includes ESPN)

Fubo is a go-to live TV streaming service for sports, and it commonly includes ESPN in its channel lineup.

  • Stream site: https://www.fubo.tv/

  • Why it’s great: Sports-focused interface, cloud DVR, and often a trial/intro deal depending on your market.

  • Heads-up: Regional restrictions can apply to some content.

If you watch lots of live sports beyond bowl season, Fubo is one of the most convenient all-in-one picks.

4) Hulu + Live TV — ESPN + Entertainment in One App

If your household also wants a lot of non-sports viewing, Hulu + Live TV is a solid blend of live channels (including ESPN) plus Hulu’s on-demand library.

  • Stream site: https://www.hulu.com/live-tv

  • Why it’s great: One subscription for live sports + a huge on-demand catalog.

  • Best for: Families or shared accounts where not everyone is watching sports.

5) Sling TV (Orange) — Often the Cheapest Way to Get ESPN

Want ESPN at a lower monthly cost? Sling TV Orange is usually the budget-friendly option for ESPN access.

  • Stream site: https://www.sling.com/

  • Why it’s great: Lower price point than many full live-TV bundles.

  • What to choose: Sling Orange (ESPN is typically here; double-check your zip code and current lineup).

This is a popular choice if you’re subscribing just for bowl season.

6) DIRECTV STREAM — Big Channel Lineup, Often Trial-Friendly

DIRECTV STREAM is another premium live-TV streaming service that carries ESPN and is frequently used by sports viewers who want a cable-like experience.

If you like flipping channels and watching a lot of live programming, DIRECTV STREAM is a comfortable option.

7) YouTube TV — ESPN Is Back (Good if You Already Use It)

If you’re a YouTube TV user (or considering it), ESPN and ABC were restored after the 2025 carriage dispute, so it’s a viable way to stream ESPN games again.

  • Stream site: https://tv.youtube.com/

  • Why it’s great: Easy UI, strong DVR, quick setup.

  • Why it’s relevant now: Disney networks (including ESPN) returned to YouTube TV after the agreement.

Quick Ratings of Top Streaming Sites

ESPN (Watch / App)

Best overall if you already have access.

Most stable stream, no extra features needed. If you have a TV provider login or an ESPN-supported subscription, this should be your first choice.

Fubo

Best for sports-heavy viewers.

Great picture quality, solid DVR, and strong sports focus. Slightly pricier, but worth it if you watch multiple games.

Hulu + Live TV

Best all-in-one option.

Ideal if you want ESPN plus movies and series in the same app. Not the cheapest, but very convenient.

Bottom Line

For most fans, ESPN’s own streaming access or a live-TV service that includes ESPN is the safest and smoothest way to watch Rice vs. Texas State in the Armed Forces Bowl. Choose based on your budget, how much sports you watch, and whether you want extra entertainment beyond the game.