Finding the right channel for a Hogs game shouldn't feel like a two-minute drill with no timeouts. But here we are. It is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and if you are looking for the Arkansas Razorbacks on the gridiron today, there's a bit of a reality check needed.
The regular season is over.
Arkansas finished their 2025 campaign with a tough loss to Missouri back in November, ending a season that saw more heartbreaks than the stat sheet shows. Since it's mid-January, the college football world is currently focused on the National Championship and the start of the offseason. If you see a "Razorback football game" on your guide today, it’s almost certainly a replay on the SEC Network or a classic game on ESPNU.
Honestly, the way TV deals work now, you've basically got to have a degree in broadcast journalism just to find the kickoff. The days of just "flipping to channel 7" are long gone. For the upcoming 2026 season, which starts this September, the landscape is shifting even more toward the Disney-owned trio: ABC, ESPN, and the SEC Network.
What channel is the Arkansas Razorback football game on for the 2026 season?
When September 5, 2026, rolls around for the season opener against North Alabama, you’ll be looking for one of three main spots. Because of the massive SEC-ABC/ESPN exclusive deal, CBS is no longer the home for those high-stakes 2:30 PM afternoon games.
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Most games will land on ABC, ESPN, or SEC Network.
The specific channel usually isn't set in stone until about 12 days before the game. Sometimes they wait until 6 days out—the "six-day window"—if the networks want to see how the previous Saturday’s results shake out. It’s annoying, but it’s how they maximize ratings for the "Big Three" windows: Early (noon ET), Afternoon (3:30 PM ET), and Night (6-8 PM ET).
The 2026 Television Outlook
The Hogs have a wild schedule coming up. Following the opener, they head to Utah on September 12. Since Utah is in the Big 12, that game will likely air on an ESPN network or FOX, depending on the Big 12's Tier 1 rights. When Georgia comes to Fayetteville on September 19, expect that to be a marquee ABC or ESPN primetime slot.
- Marquee Games: High-profile matchups like Georgia (Sept 19) or the trip to Texas (Nov 21) are almost locks for ABC or the main ESPN channel.
- Daytime Grinds: Games against Vanderbilt (Oct 17) or South Carolina (Nov 14) often find a home on the SEC Network.
- The Digital Catch: If you see a game listed on SECN+ or ESPN+, remember these aren't traditional TV channels. You need the ESPN app and a login from your cable or streaming provider.
Missing the Game Because of "Blackouts" or Ghost Channels
There is nothing worse than sitting down with a plate of wings only to see a "This program is unavailable in your area" message. This usually happens with the SEC Network Alternate channel.
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People get confused here. The "Alternate" channel isn't a 24/7 station. It’s a overflow valve. If a game on the main SEC Network runs long, they’ll start the Arkansas game on the Alternate channel. Once the first game ends, they switch it back. If you’re searching your guide and can't find it, look for the channel right next to the main SEC Network—it’s usually tucked away in the 600s on DirecTV or the 400s on Cox.
How to Watch Without a Traditional Cable Box
If you've cut the cord, you aren't out of luck, but you do need to be strategic. You can’t just buy "SEC Network" by itself.
- Hulu + Live TV: This is the most "complete" option for Hogs fans because it includes ABC, all ESPN channels, and the SEC Network.
- YouTube TV: Very similar to Hulu, and often has a better interface for recording games (the "unlimited DVR" is a lifesaver when the game goes into overtime).
- FuboTV: Great for sports, but double-check that your specific package includes the SEC Network, as it’s sometimes tucked into an "Elite" tier.
- Sling TV: You’ll need the "Orange" package plus the "Sports Extra" add-on. It’s usually the cheapest way, but it’s easy to mess up the configuration and miss the SEC Network.
A weird quirk of 2026: ESPN+ is becoming more integrated. While most conference games are on "linear" TV (the ones with actual channel numbers), at least one non-conference game a year usually gets tucked away as a digital exclusive on SECN+. For 2026, watch that Tulsa game on September 26 closely—it’s a prime candidate for a streaming-only broadcast.
Key Dates for the 2026 Razorback Schedule
Knowing the dates helps you plan your subscriptions. You don't want to pay for a full month of a streaming service if there are two "Bye" weeks in that window.
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- Sept 5: vs. North Alabama (Fayetteville)
- Sept 12: at Utah (Salt Lake City)
- Sept 19: vs. Georgia (Fayetteville)
- Oct 3: at Texas A&M (College Station)
- Oct 10: vs. Tennessee (Fayetteville)
- Nov 21: at Texas (Austin)
- Nov 28: vs. LSU (Fayetteville)
The Battle for the Golden Boot against LSU is back on the final weekend of the season. Historically, this was a CBS "Black Friday" staple, but in the new era, look for this on ABC or ESPN on that Saturday.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
Since there isn't a live game today, January 18, the best move is to audit your setup. Check your streaming subscription to see if it carries the SEC Network. If it doesn't, you have plenty of time to swap providers before the North Alabama kickoff in September.
Download the official Arkansas Razorbacks app. It’s actually pretty solid for live radio broadcasts. If you find yourself stuck in a car or at a wedding during a game this fall, the app streams the radio call for free, which is often more entertaining than the TV announcers anyway.
Lastly, keep an eye on the Hogs+ platform. It won’t show the live games (those rights are locked up by ESPN), but it’s where all the behind-the-scenes footage and coach’s shows live now. If you’re craving football today, that’s where you’ll find the fix.