You're ready for some Mizzou football. You've got the snacks, the jersey's out, and you’re scrolling through the guide. But there's a problem. If you’re looking for what channel is the missouri tigers football game on today, specifically this Friday, January 16, 2026, you’re going to find a whole lot of nothing on the grid.
Wait. Don't throw the remote yet.
The reality is that the Missouri Tigers' football season ended a few weeks back in Jacksonville. It’s that weird "dead zone" of the sports calendar where the grass is dormant at Faurot Field and the pads are tucked away in lockers.
The Gator Bowl Hangover
Mizzou wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign on December 27, 2025. They faced off against the Virginia Cavaliers in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. It wasn't exactly the high-scoring fireworks show fans were hoping for. Honestly, it was a bit of a slog.
The Tigers fell 13-7 in a defensive battle that left a lot of folks in Mid-Missouri feeling like the season ended on a "what if" note. Because that game is in the rearview mirror, there is no live football game on the schedule for today.
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If you see a channel listing "Missouri Tigers" right now, it’s almost certainly Men’s Basketball or Gymnastics. In fact, tonight at 7:45 p.m., the Mizzou gymnastics squad is hosting No. 2 Oklahoma. That’s where the live energy is right now in Columbia.
When Do the Tigers Play Again?
If you’re asking what channel is the missouri tigers football game on today because you're already itching for the 2026 season, you've got a bit of a wait. The SEC recently dropped the 2026 schedule, and it’s a gauntlet.
The next time you'll see Eli Drinkwitz leading the team out of the tunnel will be Saturday, September 5, 2026. They’ll be taking on Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Memorial Stadium.
Here is what the start of that 2026 journey looks like:
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- Sept 5: vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (Columbia, MO)
- Sept 12: at Kansas (The Border Showdown returns to Lawrence!)
- Sept 19: vs. Troy (Columbia, MO)
- Sept 26: at Mississippi State (SEC Opener)
That September 12th date against Kansas is the one everyone has circled. It’s the first time Mizzou has headed to Lawrence since 2005. That game will likely land on ABC or ESPN, but we won’t know the official "what channel" answer until about two weeks before kickoff.
Where to Find Mizzou Replays Today
So, the live game is a ghost, but that doesn't mean you can't watch the Tigers. If you have the SEC Network, they frequently run "SEC Wrapped" or classic game replays during the Friday afternoon blocks.
You can also head over to ESPN+. They archive most of the 2025 season games. If you want to relive the 42-31 win over Kansas from last September or the double-overtime thriller against Auburn, those are sitting right there in the digital vault.
Sometimes, the local Bally Sports regional networks or even the Mizzou Athletics YouTube channel will post "mic'd up" segments or spring ball previews around this time of year. It’s not a live kickoff, but it beats watching weather reports.
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What You Should Watch Instead
Since the football team is off, the rest of Mizzou athletics is in full swing. If you need a Black and Gold fix today:
- Gymnastics vs. Oklahoma: This is the big one for tonight. It’s on SECN+ (the digital streaming arm of the SEC Network).
- Men’s Basketball: They play LSU tomorrow, January 17, at 2:30 p.m. That one is scheduled for the main SEC Network.
- Track & Field: The Show Me Showdown is happening today, though you usually have to follow live results on the Tiger's official site rather than a TV broadcast.
Actionable Next Steps for Mizzou Fans
Since there isn't a football game on today, the best thing you can do is prep for the 2026 season so you aren't caught off guard in September.
First, check your SEC Network subscription. Many cable providers shuffle sports packages at the start of the year. If you’ve cut the cord, make sure your Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV still carries the SEC alternate channels.
Second, if you're planning on going to the Border Showdown in Lawrence this September, start looking at ticket waitlists now. The 2026 season ticket renewals began in December, and the road game allotments for the Kansas game are going to be incredibly tight.
Lastly, keep an eye on the transfer portal. While the games aren't on TV, the "roster game" is happening right now. Following Mizzou football beat writers on social media will give you more "action" today than any TV channel could.
The pads will be back on soon enough. For today, it's all about the hardwood and the vault.