You're probably here because you woke up with that familiar itch to see some burnt orange on your screen. Maybe you lost track of the calendar, or perhaps you're just trying to figure out if you need to clear your evening plans for a watch party.
Well, if you are asking did the Texas Longhorns play today, the answer depends entirely on which squad you’re following.
On this Thursday, January 15, 2026, the spotlight isn't on the gridiron or the men's hardwood. It’s firmly on the women's basketball team. They have a massive top-five showdown tonight that could basically shift the entire landscape of the SEC.
The Big Matchup: No. 4 Texas at No. 2 South Carolina
If you’re a fan of high-stakes hoops, tonight is your Super Bowl. The No. 4 ranked Texas women’s basketball team is in Columbia, South Carolina, taking on the No. 2 Gamecocks.
This isn't just another conference game. It’s a heavyweight bout.
💡 You might also like: Nebraska Basketball Women's Schedule: What Actually Matters This Season
The Longhorns (18-1) are looking to bounce back after a tough 70-65 loss to LSU last Sunday. Meanwhile, Dawn Staley’s South Carolina squad is riding a 10-game win streak. Honestly, the history between these two lately has been wild—they’ve played six times in about a year, and both teams have been ranked in the top five every single time.
- Tip-off Time: 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT
- Where to Watch: ESPN2
- Location: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
Madison Booker has been playing like a woman possessed, averaging over 19 points a game. She’ll need every bit of that scoring touch to get past a South Carolina defense that's only giving up about 53 points a night. Keep an eye on the Rori Harmon vs. Raven Johnson matchup at point guard; that’s where the game will likely be won or lost.
What About Men’s Basketball?
If you were looking for the men’s team, you just missed them. They played last night, Wednesday, January 14.
Sean Miller’s squad took care of business at the Moody Center, defeating No. 10 Vanderbilt 80-64. It was a statement win for a team that had a bumpy start to the month with losses to Mississippi State and Tennessee.
📖 Related: Missouri vs Alabama Football: What Really Happened at Faurot Field
Jordan Pope and Tramon Mark are starting to look like the backcourt duo everyone hoped they’d be. They don't play again until Saturday, January 17, when they host Texas A&M for the Lone Star Showdown. That one is going to be electric.
Is Texas Football Playing Today?
Nope. The football season officially wrapped up on New Year's Eve.
The Longhorns ended their 2025 campaign on a high note, beating No. 18 Michigan 41-27 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. It was a solid 10-win season, though I know a lot of fans are still stinging from those close losses to Ohio State and Georgia.
Arch Manning has been officially named a finalist for the Manning Award, which is a nice cherry on top of his first full season as "the guy." But for now, the pads are off. The next time you'll see them in a real game is September 5, 2026, against Texas State.
👉 See also: Miami Heat New York Knicks Game: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
Why This Specific Date Matters
January 15 is actually a busy day for Texas Athletics beyond just basketball.
The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams are currently in the water in Austin for the TYR Pro Swim Series. If you’ve never seen these athletes in person, it’s worth the trip to the Jamail Texas Swimming Center. The speed is frankly terrifying.
Quick Schedule Cheat Sheet
- Women’s Basketball: Playing tonight at South Carolina (6 PM CT, ESPN2).
- Men’s Basketball: Next game is Saturday vs. Texas A&M.
- Football: Season over; spring game usually happens in April.
- Swimming/Diving: Competing today in Austin.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to stay on top of the "did the Texas Longhorns play today" question without having to Google it every five minutes, here is what you should actually do:
- Download the Texas Longhorns App: It sounds basic, but the push notifications for "Game Starting Now" are the only way I stay sane during the winter sports overlap.
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official Texas Athletics site and use the "Add to Calendar" feature for the specific sports you follow. It'll automatically update if there's a TV time change.
- Check the SEC Network+: A lot of the smaller sports (like the swim meet happening today) are streamed there rather than the main ESPN channels.
The women's game tonight is the clear priority. Grab a seat on the couch by 6:00 PM central, because Booker vs. Edwards is going to be a highlight reel from the jump.