The energy in Knoxville is a weird mix of morning-after grogginess and high-stakes anticipation. If you’re waking up asking what time is the Tennessee Vols game, you probably fall into one of two camps. Either you’re still reeling from that brutal men’s basketball loss to Kentucky yesterday, or you’re gearing up for a massive top-25 showdown in Tuscaloosa.
Let's get straight to it.
The No. 20 Tennessee Lady Vols are taking on the No. 21 Alabama Crimson Tide today, Sunday, January 18, 2026. This isn't just another January conference game. It's a battle for SEC positioning between two teams that are currently breathing down each other's necks in the rankings.
What time is the Tennessee Vols game today?
The Lady Vols tip off against Alabama at 2:00 p.m. ET (which is 1:00 p.m. local time in Tuscaloosa).
If you aren't making the drive down to Coleman Coliseum, you’ll be watching this one on the SEC Network. For those of you stuck in the car or just prefer the classic radio call, the Vol Network will have the broadcast. You can also catch it on SiriusXM channels 106 or 190.
Honestly, the timing is pretty perfect for a Sunday. You’ve got enough time to grab lunch after church or finish up some chores before settling in for two hours of high-intensity SEC basketball.
The Breakdown: Where and When
- Matchup: #20 Tennessee Lady Vols at #21 Alabama
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Tip-off Time: 2:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. CT
- TV Channel: SEC Network
- Venue: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, AL
Why this game matters more than usual
Usually, by mid-January, we have a clear idea of who's who in the SEC. But this year? It's a total mess. Tennessee comes into this game with a 12-3 record and a perfect 4-0 start in conference play. Alabama is sitting at 17-2 but recently took a tough loss to Auburn.
There is a lot of buzz around the Lady Vols' freshmen right now. If you haven't been watching, Mia Pauldo has been playing out of her mind. She just picked up her second SEC Freshman of the Week honor, and her performance against Arkansas last week—18 points and 4 assists—was the kind of outing that makes you think this team has a much higher ceiling than people expected back in November.
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Alabama is going to be hungry, though. They’re coming off that 58-54 loss to Auburn where they just couldn't find the basket in the fourth quarter. Returning home to Coleman Coliseum, they’ll be looking to make a statement against a ranked Tennessee squad.
What about the Men's team?
If you were looking for Rick Barnes and the guys, they played yesterday. And yeah, it was a heartbreaker.
The No. 24 Vols dropped an 80-78 decision to Kentucky at the Food City Center. They had a 17-point lead in the first half and basically let it slip through their fingers in the final minutes. Denzel Aberdeen for Kentucky just went off for 22 points, and despite a late push from Ja'Kobi Gillespie, the Vols couldn't close the gap.
They don't play again until next Saturday, January 24, when they also head to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama. So, if you're a Tennessee fan, you’re basically living in a "Beat Bama" week across multiple sports.
Don't forget the Tennis match
Just in case you’re a total UT sports junkie, there’s actually more going on today than just basketball. The Men’s Tennis team is hosting Wake Forest at the Goodfriend Tennis Center in Knoxville.
That match also starts at 2:00 p.m. ET. So, if you’re local and want to support the Vols in person without driving six hours to Alabama, the tennis courts are your best bet today.
Making the most of game day
If you're watching from home, the SEC Network broadcast usually starts right on the hour, so don't expect a ton of pre-game fluff. They’ll likely dive straight into the action.
Make sure your streaming apps are updated if you're using the ESPN app. There’s nothing worse than the "Update Required" screen popping up right as the ball is tipped. If you’re listening on the Vol Network, Brian Rice is on the call, and he always brings that specific energy that makes road games feel a bit more like home.
Tennessee's defense has been their calling card so far this season, but Alabama's pace of play is fast. It's going to be a "clash of styles" type of afternoon.
Check the SEC Network at 2:00 p.m. ET to see if the Lady Vols can stay undefeated in the SEC and keep the momentum going through a tough road stretch. After today, they head back to Knoxville to face Kentucky on Thursday, so a win today is massive for their confidence.
Clear your schedule, grab your orange gear, and get ready for a battle in Tuscaloosa. Go Vols.
Next Steps for Vols Fans:
- Sync your calendar: If you missed yesterday's men's game, double-check the upcoming schedule. The men play Alabama next Saturday (Jan 24) at 8:30 p.m. ET.
- Download the Tennessee Athletics App: It’s the easiest way to get live stats and radio feeds if you’re away from a TV during the 2:00 p.m. window.
- Monitor the SEC Standings: A win today puts the Lady Vols in a prime position for a top-4 seed in the SEC Tournament come March.