Sundays in January usually belong to the NFL. We all know it. But if you’re a college hoops junkie, you know that the "rest day" is actually one of the sneakiest times to catch high-stakes conference play. Today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, isn't just about professional football playoffs. It's about bubble teams trying to keep their heads above water and the Big 12 proving once again why it's a meat grinder.
Honestly, tracking down ncaa tv games today can feel like a part-time job. Between the traditional networks like CBS and the endless list of "plus" streaming services, you've probably spent more time looking for the channel than actually watching the tip-off.
Let's fix that. Here is what is actually happening on the hardwood today and where you can find it.
The Heavy Hitters: Top 25 Action
The marquee matchup for most folks today is going to be out in Houston. The 7th-ranked Houston Cougars are hosting Arizona State. If you've watched Houston lately, you know they play defense like they’re trying to start a fight. It’s physical. It’s ugly. It’s beautiful.
ASU at #7 Houston tips off at 3:30 PM ET on ESPN.
Houston is currently sitting at 15-1, and they’ve basically turned the Fertitta Center into a place where dreams go to die. ASU is the underdog here, but in the Big 12, "underdog" usually just means "has a 30% chance of ruining your weekend."
Earlier in the day, we have some Big Ten and AAC action that actually matters for the March Madness selection committee.
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- Wichita State at USF: 11:00 AM ET on ESPNU.
- Penn State at Maryland: 12:00 PM ET. (Check your local listings for the Select/Sports Extra packages).
Maryland has been a bit of a rollercoaster. They have the talent to beat anyone in the Big Ten, but they also have the tendency to go cold for ten-minute stretches. It's frustrating. You've probably yelled at your TV about it twice this month already.
The Streaming Maze: Where to Find Everything Else
This is where it gets kind of annoying. If the game isn't on ESPN or CBS, it’s probably buried on a streaming app.
Peacock is carrying a big one today for the women's side: Maryland vs. UCLA at 1:00 PM ET. This isn't just a regular game; it's a clash of two programs that genuinely expect to be in the Final Four. If you're a fan of high-level offensive execution, this is the one to put on your second screen.
For the mid-major fans—the real "sickos" who love a good Patriot League or SoCon battle—ESPN+ is your best friend today.
Notable Streaming-Only Games
- American at Army: 1:00 PM ET (ESPN+).
- Temple at Florida Atlantic: 12:00 PM ET (USA Network/Streaming).
- UCF at Colorado (Women's): 2:00 PM ET (ESPN+).
Colorado is currently 12-6 and trying to stop a slide, while UCF is desperate for a road win. It’s the kind of game that won’t make the SportsCenter Top 10, but it’ll definitely matter when the bracket is revealed in March.
Understanding the Landscape of ncaa tv games today
A lot of people think Sunday games are "throwaway" games. They aren't.
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In 2026, the NET rankings are more sensitive than ever. A home loss for a team like Houston today wouldn't just be an "upset"—it could be the difference between a #1 seed and a #3 seed. We saw this last year when several top-ten teams dropped Sunday afternoon games after "looking ahead" to their Monday or Tuesday night matchups.
The pressure is real.
Also, don't sleep on the SEC Network +. Missouri at Florida (Women's) at 2:00 PM ET is a sneaky good game. Florida has had a rough patch—a five-game losing streak is no joke—but Liv McGill is averaging over 23 points a game. She’s one of the most electric players in the country that nobody is talking about because the Gators are struggling.
Why the Sunday Schedule Matters for Your Bracket
We are officially in the "dog days" of the season. The non-conference cupcakes are gone. Everything now is about league standings.
When you look at ncaa tv games today, you should be looking at the "loss column." In the Big Ten and Big 12, most teams are separated by maybe one or two games. A win for Maryland today keeps them in the hunt for a top-four seed in the conference tournament, which means a double-bye. That is huge.
It’s about fatigue, too. Many of these teams played on Wednesday or Thursday. Playing again on Sunday on short rest is a massive test of depth. Look at the bench scoring today. If a team's starters are gassed by the under-eight timeout in the second half, that's where the upsets happen.
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Actionable Tips for Following Today's Games
Don't just channel flip. That’s how you miss the buzzer-beaters.
First, if you have a multi-view setup (like on YouTube TV or Fubo), use it for the 12:00 PM window. You've got Temple/FAU and Penn State/Maryland happening simultaneously.
Second, keep an eye on the live betting lines if that's your thing. Sunday games often have "heavy legs." If a favorite like Houston starts slow, the live line might overcorrect.
Lastly, check the injury reports for the Big 12 matchups. This conference is so physical that a "game-time decision" usually means a player is at 70% at best.
Your Next Steps:
- Sync your apps: Ensure your ESPN+ and Peacock logins are active before the 1:00 PM rush.
- Check the NET: Take five minutes to look at the NCAA NET rankings before the Houston game. It'll give you context on why every possession feels so desperate.
- Set an alert: The ASU/Houston game at 3:30 PM is the "don't miss" event of the afternoon.
The road to the Big Dance is already getting narrow. Every Sunday counts.