So, you’re looking for the game. I get it. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and if you’re a fan of Tennessee sports, your Saturday morning usually starts with one burning question: what channel is tn football on today?
Well, I’ve got some good news and some "well, technically" news. If you are specifically looking for the Tennessee Titans or the Tennessee Volunteers football team on the gridiron today, you might notice the schedule looks a little empty. Here is the deal: the Titans’ season wrapped up with a 3-14 record, meaning they didn’t make the cut for today's NFL Divisional Round. And for the Vols? We are deep in the "dark months" of the college football offseason.
But don't toss the remote just yet. While there isn't a "football" game for the big TN teams today, there is a massive rivalry game happening on the hardwood that basically every football fan in the state will be watching instead.
What Channel Is TN Football On Today: The NFL Playoff Reality
If you turned on the TV hoping to see the Titans in the postseason, you’ll find other teams in their place. Today is the start of the NFL Divisional Round. Since the Titans aren't playing, the slots they usually occupy are filled by other heavy hitters.
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If you just want to watch high-stakes football, here is who is actually on:
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: This kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET. You can catch this one on CBS.
- San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: This is the night cap at 8:00 p.m. ET. That game is airing on FOX.
It’s a bit of a bummer for those of us in Nashville or Knoxville wanting to see "our" team, but that’s the reality of the 2026 playoff bracket. The Titans are currently looking toward the draft after a tough season, so the "football" part of your Saturday is going to be strictly as a neutral observer.
The "Real" Game Today: Tennessee vs. Kentucky
Let’s be honest. In this state, when football is over, basketball takes the throne. If you were searching for what channel is tn football on today, you likely actually need to find the Tennessee Volunteers vs. Kentucky Wildcats basketball game. This is one of the biggest matchups of the year.
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The game is happening right now—or about to—at the Food City Center in Knoxville.
Broadcast Details for the Big Game
- Channel: ESPN
- Tip-off Time: 12:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. CT)
- Commentators: Dan Shulman and Jay Bilas (The A-team is in town for this one).
- Streaming: You can find it on the ESPN App, Fubo, or Sling TV if you’ve cut the cord.
The Vols are currently sitting at 12-5 and ranked #24. Kentucky is also 11-6, and both teams are 2-2 in the SEC. It’s a literal toss-up. If you can't get to a TV, the Vol Network radio affiliates (like WIVK in Knoxville or WGFX in Nashville) will have Mike Keith on the call.
Other Tennessee Teams Playing Today
Believe it or not, there's actually more than just the Vols going on. If you are in Nashville and want to support local hoops, the Tennessee State Tigers are playing too.
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They are hosting the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles at the Gentry Center. That game starts a bit later at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be streaming exclusively on ESPN+. It’s not "football," but it’s Tennessee athletes grinding it out on a Saturday.
Why the Confusion Happens Every January
It happens every year. We get into this rhythm of "Saturday is for the Vols" and "Sunday is for the Titans." When the calendar flips to mid-January, that rhythm breaks. The NFL moves its playoff games to Saturdays, and college football disappears until the spring games in April.
Honestly, it’s a weird transition period. You’ve got people searching for football because the habit is so deeply ingrained, but the sports landscape has shifted under our feet. Unless you’re watching the NFL playoffs as a scout for next year's opponents, your "TN sports" fix today is 100% focused on the court, not the field.
Quick Guide for Your Saturday Viewing:
- Check ESPN at Noon: That’s your main event. Tennessee vs. Kentucky.
- Switch to CBS at 4:30 p.m.: If you have a football itch, the Bills and Broncos will have to scratch it.
- End on FOX at 8:00 p.m.: The 49ers and Seahawks wrap up the day.
If you’re still holding out hope for a surprise football announcement, don't hold your breath. The next time you’ll see the Vols in pads will be for the Orange & White game later this spring. For the Titans, we are waiting for the 2026 schedule release which usually happens in May.
Actionable Next Steps
Since the game you’re likely looking for (Vols vs. Kentucky) is on ESPN at 12:00 p.m. ET, make sure your subscription is active. If you’re a cord-cutter, check your Fubo or YouTube TV login now so you don't miss the tip-off. If you’re looking for NFL action, ensure your digital antenna is positioned correctly for CBS and FOX to catch the Divisional Round games.