So, you’re looking to find out if the Tennessee Titans are taking the field today, Saturday, January 17, 2026. I’ll give it to you straight: No. They aren't.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer. While the NFL is currently in the thick of the Divisional Round playoffs, the boys from Nashville are watching from their couches just like we are. The Titans wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign a couple of weeks ago, and to say it was a "rebuilding year" would be putting it mildly.
If you were hoping to see some playoff football today, you’re in luck—just not with the two-tone blue. Today’s actual NFL schedule features the Buffalo Bills at the Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET) and the San Francisco 49ers at the Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET). But if you’re specifically here for the Titans, the gates at Nissan Stadium are locked tight for the winter.
Why the Titans aren't playing today
The simple truth is that the Titans didn't make the cut. They finished the season with a 3-14 record, which rooted them firmly at the bottom of the AFC South. Their final game was a rough 41-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on January 4th.
It’s been a chaotic season. Between injuries to key players like rookie edge rusher Femi Oladejo and a mid-season coaching shift, the team never really found its rhythm. Following the dismissal of Brian Callahan, Mike McCoy stepped in as the interim head coach to steer the ship through the final weeks.
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Right now, the organization isn't focused on game plans; they’re focused on the future. The front office is currently deep in a massive head-coaching search. As of this week, GM Mike Borgonzi has already interviewed several candidates, including former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel.
What to watch if you're a Tennessee fan
Even though the NFL team is sidelined, the "Titans" name is still active in other circles today. If you’re a college sports fan, there’s plenty of action.
The Cal State Fullerton Titans men’s basketball team is actually playing today! They’re hitting the road to face off against the UC Riverside Highlanders at the SRC Arena in Riverside, California. That game tips off at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT) and is streaming on ESPN+.
On the women's side, the Cal State Fullerton Titans are also in action, hosting UC Riverside at the Titan Gym at 5:00 PM ET. So, technically, a team called the Titans is playing today—just not the one that wears pads and helmets in Nashville.
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The state of the 2026 off-season
For the NFL squad, the "game" is now played in meeting rooms. The 2025 season provided some bright spots, even with the losing record. DT Jeffery Simmons and returner Chimere Dike were both named First Team All-Pros, a feat the franchise hasn't achieved with multiple players since 2008. Simmons, in particular, was a beast, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Month for the final stretch of the season.
But there are massive questions heading into the spring:
- Who will be the next head coach? The hunt is on, and names like McDaniel and various top coordinators are in the mix.
- The Quarterback Situation: Rookie Cam Ward had a roller-coaster season. Some fans are already calling for a veteran bridge, while others want to see him get a full off-season as the undisputed QB1.
- The New Stadium: Construction is humming along for the new enclosed stadium. The team has roughly one year left before they move out of the current Nissan Stadium.
When will the Titans play again?
You’ve got a long wait. The official 2026 NFL schedule won’t even be released until May.
Typically, we won't see the team back on the field for meaningful action until the preseason in August 2026. Between now and then, the biggest "game days" are the start of free agency in March and the 2026 NFL Draft in April, where the Titans hold a very high pick—currently locked in at the number two spot overall.
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Actionable steps for Titans fans
Since there’s no game to watch today, here is how you can stay plugged in during the off-season:
- Track the Coaching Search: Follow local beat writers like Jim Wyatt or check the official Titans app. The news of a new head coach could break any day now.
- Scout the Draft: Since the Titans have the #2 overall pick, start looking at top prospects. With the offensive line struggling (JC Latham had 14 penalties this year!), many experts expect them to target a blue-chip tackle or a game-changing receiver.
- Check Out the Basketball Game: If you just need to root for someone with "Titans" on their jersey, tune into the Cal State Fullerton vs. UC Riverside game tonight on ESPN+.
The 2025 season was a pill that's hard to swallow, but the road to 2026 starts with the decisions made this month. Keep your eyes on the coaching carousel; that’s the only win the Titans can get this week.
Make sure to bookmark the official NFL schedule page so you're ready when the 2026 dates finally drop this spring.