Checking your watch or the calendar and realizing there’s a game tonight is a mood. Honestly, it's the best kind of surprise. If you're asking what channel is the Longhorn game on today, you’re probably looking for more than just a number on a dial. The answer depends entirely on which squad is taking the field—or the court, or the pool—right now.
Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. If you were hoping to catch Arch Manning and the football team, you're a few weeks late. They wrapped up their season with a solid 41-27 win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl back on New Year's Eve. But Austin never sleeps. Right now, the action has shifted to the hardwood and the Olympic sports where the Horns are deep in SEC play.
Where to Find the Longhorn Game Today
There isn't a major men’s or women’s basketball game scheduled for this Friday evening. You’ve basically hit a "travel day" for the big revenue sports. The men’s basketball team is currently gearing up for a massive showdown against Texas A&M at the Moody Center tomorrow, Saturday, January 17.
However, if you are a die-hard fan of the Olympic sports, there is plenty happening today. The Track & Field team is out in Lubbock for the Corky Classic. You can usually catch these track meets streaming via ESPN+ or the Big 12 Now platform, even though Texas has moved to the SEC, because of the host school's broadcast rights.
Watching the Swim Meet and Track Stars
- Track & Field: Corky Classic in Lubbock. Check ESPN+ for live coverage throughout the afternoon.
- Swimming & Diving: The Longhorns are hosting the TYR Pro Swim Series in Austin.
The swimming event is a big deal. It features elite international talent, and while it isn't always on a standard cable channel like ESPN2, you can often find the live stream on the USA Swimming website or via SEC Network+ through the ESPN app.
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The Best Ways to Stream Texas Sports
Most of us have ditched traditional cable. I get it. If you're trying to figure out what channel is the Longhorn game on today and you realize it's on a "plus" network, don't panic. SEC Network+ is not a separate channel you have to pay for if you already have the SEC Network.
You just log into the ESPN app using your provider credentials (like Fubo, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV).
Honestly, the SEC Network is your best friend now. Since the move from the Big 12, the Longhorn Network (LHN) has essentially folded its unique programming into the broader SEC ecosystem. You won't find the "LHN" on your guide much anymore; instead, look for the SEC Network or its digital overflow channels.
Coming Up: Men's Basketball vs. Texas A&M
Since there isn't a hoops game tonight, you should probably prep for tomorrow. The Longhorns take on the Aggies on Saturday, January 17, at 5 p.m. CT.
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This game is a primetime slot. It will be broadcast on ESPN. This is the "old school" rivalry renewed in the SEC, and the Moody Center is going to be absolutely electric. If you aren't in Austin, make sure your ESPN login is working well before tip-off.
Why the Schedule Matters
College sports schedules are messy. One day you’re on ABC at 2:30 p.m., the next you’re on a streaming-only platform on a Tuesday night. This is the reality of the 2025-26 season.
The football team finished 10-3, which was a great run, but the focus now is on the winter sports. The women's basketball team just had a heartbreaker against South Carolina yesterday, losing 68-65. They play again on Sunday, January 18, against Texas A&M. That one will be on the SEC Network.
Quick Reference for Upcoming Games
- Saturday, Jan 17: Men's Basketball vs. Texas A&M (5:00 PM CT) - ESPN
- Sunday, Jan 18: Women's Basketball vs. Texas A&M (2:00 PM CT) - SEC Network
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Men's Basketball at Kentucky (6:00 PM CT) - SEC Network
Actionable Steps for Longhorn Fans
If you want to make sure you never miss a start time again, do these three things right now:
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Download the Texas Longhorns app. It has a "coverage" tab that updates in real-time with the exact TV channel or streaming link for every single sport, from baseball to volleyball.
Check your ESPN App settings. Ensure you have "Texas Longhorns" selected as a favorite team. This will push notifications to your phone about 15 minutes before any game starts, telling you exactly which channel to turn to.
Bookmark the Texas Sports Composite Calendar. It’s the ultimate source of truth. Sometimes games get flexed for TV, and the calendar is the first place that reflects those changes.
While the "main" game isn't on the tube tonight, the track and swimming squads are representing the burnt orange as we speak. Use this Friday night to sync your calendar for the massive rivalry weekend ahead.