You're sitting there, remote in hand, scrolling through the guide, and the panic starts to set in. We've all been there. The Sooners are about to kick off, and you can’t for the life of you remember if they're on the "Mothership" (ESPN), the local ABC affiliate, or tucked away on the SEC Network. If you are looking for what channel is the oklahoma football game on, you've likely realized that the answer changes depending on the week, the opponent, and how well Brent Venables has the boys playing.
Honestly, the shift to the SEC has made things both simpler and more complicated. Gone are the days of guessing between FOX and FS1. Now, it’s an all-Disney affair, but that doesn't mean finding the game is a walk in the park.
Where to Find the Sooners Today
Right now, as we sit in January 2026, the primary season has just wrapped up. Oklahoma made a hell of a run this past year. They fought their way into the College Football Playoff (CFP) as the No. 8 seed, hosting a massive first-round game right there in Norman at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
That game against Alabama on December 19 was a primetime blockbuster. If you were looking for it then, it was broadcast nationwide on ABC and ESPN. Unfortunately, the Sooners' postseason journey ended there with a 34-24 loss to the Crimson Tide.
So, if you’re looking for a live football game today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the football team is actually in the offseason. The pads are off. The recruiting trail is hot, but the scoreboard is dark.
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What Channel is the Oklahoma Football Game On for the 2026 Season?
Looking ahead is what we do best in Oklahoma. The 2026 schedule is already out, and it is a gauntlet. If you’re trying to plan your Saturdays, here is the breakdown of how the TV selections usually work under the SEC’s massive deal with Disney.
- September 5 vs. UTEP: This is a classic "early season" game. Expect this to land on SEC Network or potentially ESPN+.
- September 12 at Michigan: This is a massive non-conference tilt. Since it's in Ann Arbor (Big Ten territory), this will almost certainly be on FOX, CBS, or NBC.
- September 26 at Georgia: A huge SEC road test. Games of this magnitude are almost always the "SEC on ABC" 3:30 PM ET or 7:30 PM ET window.
The SEC Network and ESPN+ Factor
You've gotta have the apps ready. Seriously.
Sometimes the "smaller" games or the non-conference matchups get relegated to SECN+. Don't confuse this with the linear SEC Network channel you see on your cable box. SECN+ is a digital stream available through the ESPN app. If you have a cable subscription that includes the SEC Network, you usually get SECN+ for free, but you have to authenticate through the app on your Roku, Apple TV, or phone.
Confirmed 2026 Opponents and Likely Broadcast Hubs
The 2026 schedule is officially set with some home-and-home flips.
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Oklahoma will host Ole Miss, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Texas A&M in Norman. They'll head out on the road to face Missouri, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi State. And, of course, the Red River Rivalry against Texas remains at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on October 10.
For that Texas game? Just tune to ABC. It's the crown jewel of the mid-season, and Disney isn't letting that one slip to a secondary channel.
Why the Channel Changes Last Minute
Ever notice how some games are listed as "TBD" until six days before kickoff? That’s the "six-day window" at work.
TV networks like ESPN and ABC hold the rights to pick the best games for the best time slots. If Oklahoma and Georgia are both undefeated heading into their September 26 matchup, that game is going to be the primetime national broadcast. If one of them trips up early, it might get bumped to a 3:30 PM slot or even an 11:00 AM "nooner" on the SEC Network.
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It's all about the ratings.
Streaming Options for the Cord-Cutters
If you've ditched traditional cable, you aren't out of luck. You just need to make sure your streaming service carries the right local and sports channels.
- YouTube TV: Generally considered the gold standard for sports fans. It carries ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and the SEC Network.
- Hulu + Live TV: Very similar to YouTube TV and includes Disney+ and ESPN+ bundled in, which is actually a pretty great deal for Sooner fans.
- FuboTV: Great for sports, but double-check your local ABC affiliate availability in the Oklahoma City or Tulsa markets.
- Sling TV: You'll need the "Orange" package plus the "Sports Extra" add-on to get the SEC Network. It's cheaper but can be a bit more finicky with local channels.
Actionable Next Steps for Sooner Fans
Don't wait until five minutes before kickoff to realize your login has expired.
First, download the ESPN app on whatever device you use to watch TV. Link it to your provider now. Second, bookmark the Official Sooner Sports schedule page. They update the specific kickoff times and channels the second they are announced by the conference.
Finally, if you’re a die-hard, consider an ESPN+ subscription. While most major games are on broadcast TV, the behind-the-scenes content and the occasional "buy-game" against smaller schools often live exclusively on the streaming platform.
Check your local listings every Monday afternoon. That’s usually when the network "holds" are released and the final channel assignments are locked in for the following Saturday.