If you're asking ut plays who today, you're probably caught in that specific kind of sports limbo where three massive universities share the same two-letter shorthand. Whether you bleed burnt orange, rock the Tennessee orange and white, or represent the Utes out in Salt Lake City, the schedule for Sunday, January 18, 2026, is actually pretty packed with action, but you have to know which "UT" you're looking for.
Honestly, it’s a big day for the University of Texas women’s basketball team, while the Tennessee and Utah squads are mostly catching their breath after a heavy Saturday. Here is the ground truth on who is taking the court (or the field) right now.
The Lone Star Showdown: Texas Longhorns vs. Texas A&M
For the folks in Austin, the answer to ut plays who today is simple: it’s the Aggies. This isn't just any game; it’s the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown. The Texas Longhorns women’s basketball team is hosting Texas A&M at the Moody Center, and the stakes feel higher than usual given the history between these two schools.
The game tipped off at 3:00 PM CT (4:00 PM ET) and is being broadcast live on the SEC Network. If you've been following the season, you know Texas is currently a powerhouse, ranked No. 4 in the nation with an 18-2 record. Texas A&M is coming in with an 8-5 record, looking to play spoiler in one of the most hostile environments in the SEC.
✨ Don't miss: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
As of the latest updates from the second quarter, Texas has a lead of 24-15. Justice Carlton has been a force under the rim, recently knocking down a layup off an assist from Bryanna Preston. On the Aggie side, Janae Kent and Ny’Ceara Pryor are trying to keep things close, but they’re struggling with turnovers early on.
Why This Matchup Matters
- The Rivalry Factor: Since Texas moved to the SEC, the "Lone Star Showdown" has regained its status as a premier calendar event.
- Postseason Seeding: With Texas ranked in the top five, every win at the Moody Center is critical for securing a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
- Recruiting Wars: Both schools are fighting for the same elite talent in the state of Texas; winning on the court is the best sales pitch.
What’s Happening in Knoxville and Salt Lake City?
If you were looking for the Tennessee Volunteers or the Utah Utes, the situation is a bit different. Both the Tennessee and Utah men’s basketball teams played grueling games on Saturday, January 17.
Tennessee had a heartbreaking loss yesterday, falling 80-78 to the Kentucky Wildcats in a game that came down to the final possession. Because they played a high-intensity conference game on Saturday, the Vols do not have a game today. Their next outing is a road trip to Alabama on January 24.
🔗 Read more: El Salvador partido de hoy: Why La Selecta is at a Critical Turning Point
Similarly, the Utah Utes men’s basketball team is off today after securing their first Big 12 conference win yesterday. They beat TCU 82-79 in a thriller where Terrence Brown exploded for 26 points. If you are a Utes fan, you can rest easy today; the team doesn't play again until Tuesday, January 20, when they head to Manhattan to face Kansas State.
Other "UT" Sports in Action Today
While basketball usually grabs the headlines, the answer to ut plays who today also includes some olympic sports that fans shouldn't ignore.
- Texas Men's & Women's Tennis: It’s a double-header at the Texas Tennis Center in Austin. The women’s team is facing off against Pepperdine (started at 12:00 PM CT), and the men’s team is taking on a very tough Virginia squad (started at 12:30 PM CT). These matches are huge for early-season rankings.
- Utah Women's Tennis: The Utes are on the road today, playing against UC Santa Barbara. That match started at Noon MT.
- Tennessee Tennis: The Vols are also active on the courts. The men’s team has a matchup today, continuing their early spring schedule.
Tracking the Scores and How to Watch
If you’re trying to catch the end of the Longhorns vs. Aggies game, your best bet is the SEC Network or streaming via Fubo. For the tennis matches, many of these are streamed through the respective university’s athletics websites, often via a "Live Stats" or "Longhorn Network" feed.
💡 You might also like: Meaning of Grand Slam: Why We Use It for Tennis, Baseball, and Breakfast
It’s worth noting that schedules can shift. Weather isn't a huge factor for indoor hoops, but for the tennis matches in Austin, any stray Central Texas rain could push those start times back.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Longhorns Fans: Tune into the SEC Network right now to see if Texas can pull away from A&M in the second half.
- Vols/Utes Fans: Use today as a scouting day. Watch other SEC or Big 12 matchups to see how the competition is looking before the next games on Tuesday and Saturday.
- Check the Rankings: With the weekend nearly over, keep an eye out for the new AP Top 25 polls coming out tomorrow to see where your team lands after these results.
The question of ut plays who today highlights just how massive these athletic programs have become. Whether it’s a rivalry game on the hardwood or a tactical battle on the tennis court, there is almost always someone representing a "UT" school on any given Sunday in January.