So you're looking for the Tennessee game today and realized it’s a bit of a mess to find. Honestly, between the Men's team, the Lady Vols, and the specific broadcast rights that shift every other season, just "checking the guide" isn't as simple as it used to be. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the big matchup is actually happening on the women's side in a high-stakes SEC showdown.
The Tennessee Lady Vols are taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide right now.
If you’re scrambling to find the right button on your remote, here is the breakdown: the game is airing live on SEC Network. It tipped off at 2:00 PM ET (which is 1:00 PM local time in Tuscaloosa). If you missed the start, don't sweat it—they usually have the replay cycles going on SEC Network+ later tonight.
What Channel is the Tennessee Game on Today?
The primary destination for the Lady Vols vs. Alabama game is the SEC Network.
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Kinda weirdly, a lot of people expect these Top 25 matchups to always be on ESPN or ESPN2, but the SEC Network has become the go-to home for these intense conference rivalries. If you have a standard cable or satellite package like Xfinity, Spectrum, or DirecTV, you probably already have it. If you're a cord-cutter, you're looking at services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV.
Basically, if the app has "Live TV" in the name and carries sports, you're likely good to go.
What about the men? The Tennessee Men's basketball team actually played yesterday. They had a massive game against Kentucky that aired on ESPN. If you see "Tennessee" on the schedule for today and it’s not the Lady Vols, you might be looking at a tennis match or a replay. The Men's team doesn't suit up again until Saturday, January 24, when they head to Tuscaloosa themselves to face Alabama.
Why Everyone Struggles to Find the Channel
TV rights are a jigsaw puzzle.
- The SEC/ESPN Deal: Every single SEC home game is under the ESPN umbrella, but that doesn't mean it's on the "big" ESPN channel.
- SEC Network+ vs. SEC Network: This is the one that trips everyone up. SEC Network is a linear TV channel. SEC Network+ is a digital stream accessible via the ESPN app. Today’s game is on the actual TV channel.
- The Flex Schedule: Sometimes, networks wait until six days before a game to decide which channel gets the broadcast. It’s annoying for fans who like to plan ahead.
For today’s game at Coleman Coliseum, the announcers are likely focusing on the Lady Vols' defensive streak. They’ve been on a tear lately, and this game against Alabama is a classic "trap game" scenario. Alabama has been tough at home this year, and Jessica Timmons has been a problem for SEC defenses.
Streaming Options for the Vols
If you aren't sitting in front of a TV, you can still catch the Tennessee game today via the ESPN App.
You’ll need your service provider login—whether that's a cable login or a streaming subscription like Sling. One thing I've noticed is that the ESPN app can be a bit laggy if you’re on a 5G connection in a crowded area, so if you're at a sports bar or a public spot, try to hop on their Wi-Fi.
For the radio lovers, the Lady Vol Network is still the gold standard. You can find the stream on the UT Sports website or via the Varsity Network app. Hearing the local call is often way better than the national broadcast anyway; they just know the roster nuances better.
What to Watch for in the Second Half
Keep an eye on Talaysia Cooper. She’s been the engine for the Lady Vols' offense. If Alabama starts doubling her, look for Janiah Barker to take over in the paint. The Crimson Tide usually tries to speed up the tempo, so if Tennessee can keep it a half-court game, they’ll likely walk away with the win.
Actionable Steps for Fans
Don't get caught searching every time. Here is what you should actually do to stay updated:
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- Download the Tennessee Athletics App: It’s the most reliable way to see the "Live Events" tab which lists the exact TV or streaming link for every sport, not just basketball.
- Sync the Schedule: You can actually download the Lady Vols and Vols schedules directly to your Google or Apple Calendar from UTSports.com. It updates the channel info automatically as it's announced.
- Check the "Plus" Factor: If a game is listed on SECN+, remember that it will not show up on your cable box's channel list. You have to open the ESPN app on your smart TV or Roku.
The Lady Vols are currently fighting for a top seed in the SEC Tournament. Every Sunday game like this one is a building block for March. Make sure you've got the SEC Network locked in so you don't miss the final minutes.