If you’re scrambling to find the remote because you know there’s a massive game tonight but aren't quite sure where to land, I've got you. Honestly, tonight is one of those "circle the calendar" moments for fans in Columbia and beyond. We are looking at a heavyweight fight in the SEC as the South Carolina Gamecocks take on the Texas Longhorns.
It's a top-five clash. It’s Dawn Staley versus Vic Schaefer. Basically, it's everything that makes college hoops great.
What Channel Does South Carolina Play On Today?
The short answer is ESPN2.
You won’t find this one on the main SEC Network or buried on a streaming-only platform like SEC Network+. The powers that be decided this matchup was too big for the regional treatment. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM ET tonight, Thursday, January 15, 2026.
If you are a cord-cutter, you aren't out of luck. You can stream the game through the ESPN app or via services like Fubo, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV. Just make sure you have your login credentials ready before the national anthem, because you definitely don't want to be resetting your password while Joyce Edwards is dropping her first bucket of the night.
The Broadcast Crew
Expect to hear some familiar voices. Ryan Ruocco is handling the play-by-play, with the legendary Rebecca Lobo providing analysis. Holly Rowe will be down on the sidelines at Colonial Life Arena, likely giving us the scoop on whatever defensive adjustments Staley is cooking up.
Why This Game is a Massive Deal
This isn't just another conference game. We’re talking about the No. 2 ranked Gamecocks (17-1) hosting the No. 4 Texas Longhorns (18-1).
Since Texas joined the SEC, this rivalry has turned into a legitimate chess match. This is actually the second time these two have met this season, but it's the first one that counts toward the SEC standings. The Gamecocks have a 10-game winning streak going right now, and they haven't lost at home in what feels like forever.
Texas is coming in hungry, though. They stumbled slightly against LSU recently, losing 70-65, so they are looking for a statement win to prove they belong at the top of the conference hierarchy.
The Matchup to Watch
Keep your eyes on the paint.
- Joyce Edwards for South Carolina is playing like a woman possessed, averaging over 20 points a game.
- On the other side, Texas’s Madison Booker is a certified bucket-getter.
It’s going to be physical. It’s going to be loud. Colonial Life Arena is doing a "Stripe Out" tonight—odd sections in garnet, even sections in white. If you’re heading to the game, double-check your ticket so you don't show up in the wrong color.
Key Stats and Details
If you're into the nitty-gritty, here is what the landscape looks like heading into tonight.
South Carolina’s defense is, frankly, terrifying. They are 13th in the nation in points allowed, giving up only about 53.6 points per game. Texas, however, has the 4th-best field goal percentage in the country. It’s the classic "unstoppable force meets immovable object" scenario.
Game Day Fast Facts:
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- Venue: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
- Radio: B106.7 FM (Local) or SiriusXM Channel 81
- Last Meeting: South Carolina won a tight one earlier this year.
- The Spread: Most oddsmakers have the Gamecocks as a slight favorite, usually around 3 to 5 points, but in a rivalry like this, those numbers kinda go out the window.
How to Listen if You're Stuck in Traffic
If you can't get to a TV, the radio broadcast is always a solid backup. Brad Muller usually has the call on the Gamecock Radio Network. If you have a SiriusXM subscription, tune into Channel 81 for the South Carolina feed or Channel 190 if you want to hear the Texas perspective for some reason.
What's Next for the Gamecocks?
Regardless of what happens tonight, the schedule doesn't slow down. South Carolina hits the road right after this, heading to Baltimore to face Coppin State on Sunday, January 18th. That game starts at noon and will be on ESPN+.
After that, it's back to the SEC grind with a trip to Norman to face Oklahoma on January 22nd.
Actionable Steps for Tonight
- Check your subscription: Ensure your ESPN2 access is active at least 15 minutes before the 7:00 PM tip-off.
- Sync your apps: If you're watching on the ESPN app, log in now to avoid "authentication errors" during the opening tip.
- Plan the "Stripe Out": If you are attending in person, confirm your section number on your digital ticket to wear the correct color (Garnet for odd, White for even).
- Set the DVR: With a game this high-stakes, you might want to re-watch the defensive rotations later.
Enjoy the game. It’s not every day you get two top-five teams under the same roof in mid-January.