If you’re staring at your remote trying to figure out what channel is texas longhorns football game on, you aren't alone. The move to the SEC has changed everything. Long gone are the days of the Longhorn Network being the only place to find certain games. Now, you're looking at a heavy rotation of ABC and ESPN, with the occasional SEC Network window thrown in to keep things spicy.
Today is Tuesday, January 13, 2026. If you're looking for the Horns on the field right this second, you might be a little early or a little late. The Longhorns wrapped up their 2025 campaign on December 31, 2025, with a massive 41-27 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. It was a hell of a game, broadcast on ABC, proving once again that Steve Sarkisian has this program humming in the right direction.
Where to find the Longhorns in 2026
Since the season just ended, the focus is already shifting to the 2026 schedule. If you want to know what channel is texas longhorns football game on for the upcoming season, the SEC's media rights deal with Disney means ABC and ESPN are your best friends.
The 2026 season kicks off with a bang. Here is how the early schedule is shaping up, based on the SEC's official announcements:
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- Sept. 5 vs. Texas State: This opener at DKR will likely land on the SEC Network or ESPN+.
- Sept. 12 vs. Ohio State: This is the big one. Expect this to be the ABC Saturday Night Football game or a high-profile FOX window.
- Sept. 19 vs. UTSA: Likely a midday kick on ESPN or SEC Network.
- Sept. 26 at Tennessee: Texas's first trip to Neyland Stadium since 1951. This is prime real estate for ABC.
The SEC TV landscape explained
Kinda confusing, right? Basically, the SEC "Game of the Week" now lives on ABC at 2:30 PM or 6:30 PM CT. If the Longhorns are playing a Top 25 opponent—like that Week 2 matchup against the Buckeyes—you can almost bet your life it’ll be on ABC.
For the games that don't quite make the "National Game of the Week" cut, you’ll find them on:
- ESPN: Usually for the late-night or early-afternoon slots.
- SEC Network: Reserved for conference matchups that aren't headlining the day.
- ESPN+ / SEC Network+: These are digital-only. You won't find them on a traditional "channel." You have to use the ESPN app on your smart TV or phone.
Honestly, the best way to stay on top of it is to check the official Texas Athletics site about six days before kickoff. That’s when the "TV windows" usually get finalized. Networks love to wait until the last minute to see which teams are actually good before they commit their best time slots.
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Streaming the Longhorns without cable
If you’ve cut the cord, don't panic. You can still catch every single play. Most fans in 2026 are using services like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
Both of these carry ABC, ESPN, and the SEC Network. If you're trying to save a few bucks, Sling TV is an option, but you usually have to buy the "Orange" package plus a sports add-on to get the SEC Network. If you only care about the big games on ABC, a cheap over-the-air digital antenna will actually get you the game in HD for free.
What happened to the Longhorn Network?
People still ask about this. Basically, the Longhorn Network (LHN) as we knew it is gone. When Texas officially joined the SEC in July 2024, LHN was folded into the SEC Network. You might see some "Longhorn-specific" programming on the SEC Network's alternate channels, but the days of exclusive football games being hidden there are over. It's much easier for fans outside of Austin to watch the games now, which is a huge plus.
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Pro tip for the 2026 season
If you’re planning your Saturdays, remember that the "Red River Rivalry" against Oklahoma on October 10, 2026, is almost always an ABC broadcast. It’s one of the few things in college football that stays consistent.
Keep an eye on the Ohio State game on Sept. 12. That game will dictate the "vibe" of the entire season. If you're traveling for that one, make sure your streaming app is updated and your login works before you leave the house. There's nothing worse than missing the first quarter because of a "password reset" loop.
To make sure you never miss a kickoff, you should:
- Download the Texas Longhorns app and enable notifications for schedule changes.
- Sync the 2026 schedule to your Google or Apple Calendar directly from the Texas Sports website.
- Check the "AP Poll" on Sundays; higher-ranked games almost always get the better TV channels.
The road to the 2026 College Football Playoff starts in September. Whether it's a hot afternoon in Austin or a chilly night in Knoxville, knowing exactly where to tune in saves you the headache so you can focus on the game. Hook 'em.