You’re sitting there, 20 minutes before kickoff, frantically scrolling through the guide. We’ve all been there. You thought the game was on one channel, but it’s actually buried on some streaming-only offshoot. Or maybe you just moved to Austin and realized the old rules don't apply anymore. Finding the Texas Longhorns game channel used to be simple: check the Big 12 schedule and hope you have the Longhorn Network (LHN).
But honestly? That era is dead.
Since Texas officially migrated to the SEC, the TV landscape has shifted under our feet. If you're still looking for the game on the old LHN channel 660, you’re going to see a lot of "off-air" static or rebranded archives. The move to the SEC changed everything about how we consume Texas football, basketball, and even the "Olympic" sports like softball and volleyball. It's a whole new ballgame, literally and figuratively.
Where the Longhorns Live Now: The SEC Era
Basically, the SEC has a massive, exclusive deal with Disney. That means ESPN and ABC are your best friends. Most of the high-stakes, primetime football matchups are now parked on ABC. Think about the Red River Rivalry or that massive November clash against Texas A&M. If it's a "big" game, you don't even need cable—you just need a $20 digital antenna from the store.
But not every game is a primetime blockbuster.
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For the mid-tier matchups or those Saturday morning starts, you’ll find the Texas Longhorns game channel on the SEC Network or ESPN2. The SEC Network is where you get the specialized coverage, the SEC Nation pregame shows, and the niche sports. If you're a die-hard fan, this channel is mandatory. You’ll find it on most major cable packages, but it’s often tucked away in a "Sports Tier" or "Gold Package," which is kinda annoying but worth the extra five bucks.
The Streaming Reality (ESPN+ and SECN+)
Here is where people get tripped up. SECN+ and ESPN+ are not the same thing, though they live in the same app.
- SECN+: This is a "complimentary" digital feed. If you have the SEC Network on your cable or streaming plan (like YouTube TV or Fubo), you already have this. You just log into the ESPN app with your provider credentials.
- ESPN+: This is a standalone subscription. Occasionally, a non-conference game or a specific basketball matchup will be exclusive to ESPN+. You cannot "authenticate" this with a cable login; you have to pay the monthly sub.
For the 2025-2026 window, we've seen more "digital-only" broadcasts than ever. If the football team is playing a "cupcake" game early in September, there’s a high chance it’s only on the app. Don't wait until five minutes before kickoff to realize your smart TV isn't logged in. That's a recipe for a bad Saturday.
The Death of the Longhorn Network
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. The Longhorn Network, as a linear cable channel, is essentially a ghost. When Texas moved to the SEC, the "exclusive" rights to live games shifted to the conference-wide deal. You won't find live football games on LHN anymore.
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Instead, LHN has been rebranded as a free streaming service. It’s actually pretty cool if you're into the history of the program. They house the coaches' shows, historical replays (like the 2006 Rose Bowl for the millionth time), and behind-the-scenes content. But if you’re looking for today’s live score? Look elsewhere.
How to Watch Without a Cable Box
A lot of younger fans have ditched the cord entirely. If that's you, you have a few solid paths to find the Texas Longhorns game channel without dealing with the cable company.
- YouTube TV: Probably the most popular choice in Austin right now. It carries ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and the SEC Network. It also makes it stupidly easy to "Record All Longhorns Games" so you never miss a snap.
- Hulu + Live TV: Very similar to YouTube TV, but it usually bundles in ESPN+ for free. If you want the "one-stop shop" for those digital-only games, this is the winner.
- Fubo: Great for sports because of the high frame rate, but it can be a bit pricier once you add the sports tiers.
- DirectTV Stream: The "old reliable" for people who want the traditional channel-surfing experience but through an internet connection.
Honestly, the "best" way is subjective. If you're tech-savvy, a mix of a digital antenna for ABC and a Sling TV subscription for ESPN/SEC Network is the cheapest route. But if you want zero friction, YouTube TV is hard to beat.
2026 Schedule Outlook: What to Watch For
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the schedule is already looking like a gauntlet. We've got the home-and-home with Ohio State coming up, and those games are almost guaranteed to be on FOX or ABC. Because the SEC controls the rights for conference games, but non-conference "away" games are controlled by the host team's conference, the Texas Longhorns game channel can sometimes hop over to FOX or even NBC if the Longhorns are playing a Big Ten opponent on the road.
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Keep an eye on the "kickoff windows." The SEC started a new system where they announce game times (Noon, Afternoon, or Night) months in advance. No more waiting until Monday morning to find out if you're tailgating at 8:00 AM or 4:00 PM.
Don't Forget the Radio
If you're stuck in traffic on MoPac—which, let's face it, happens every Saturday—the radio is still a vibe. Craig Way is the voice of the Longhorns, and listening to him call a game is a rite of passage. You can find the broadcast on 98.1 KVET or 1300 The Zone in Austin. Most of these stations stream for free on their apps, too. Sometimes the radio call is actually better than the TV commentary, especially when the national guys don't know the roster.
Actionable Steps for Game Day
To make sure you aren't the person asking "what channel?" in the group chat, do these three things:
- Download the ESPN App: Do it now. Log in with your TV provider (YouTube TV, Hulu, Cable) immediately. This is your backup for when the main channel is blacked out or you're away from the couch.
- Check the "SEC on ABC" Schedule: Bookmark the SEC's official site. They list the "Window" for every game way in advance.
- Get a Backup Antenna: If your internet goes out—and it will—a cheap leaf antenna will still pull in the ABC broadcast in crystal-clear 1080i. It's the ultimate fail-safe.
The shift to the SEC has made the Longhorns more visible than ever on the national stage. You just have to know which app to click.