So, you’re looking for the Cats? It happens every Saturday morning. You wake up, grab your coffee, and immediately start wondering what channel is uk football game on today because, let’s be honest, finding the right network in 2026 feels like a part-time job.
Here is the thing: if you are looking for Kentucky football right now, on January 17, 2026, you aren’t going to find it.
Seriously.
The college football season is essentially over. The National Championship was decided days ago. Right now, the Kentucky Wildcats are in the thick of the offseason. Coaches are out on the recruiting trail, and the players are probably more focused on winter conditioning than running post routes under the lights at Kroger Field.
The Mix-up You’re Probably Having
Most people asking about the UK game today are actually looking for the Kentucky vs. Tennessee basketball game. That is the massive event happening this afternoon. Since "UK football" is such a dominant search term, it’s easy to get the wires crossed, especially when the Big Blue Nation is buzzing about a rivalry matchup.
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If you want the hoopers, they’re playing at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville. You can catch that game on ESPN. It’s a 12:00 PM ET tip-off, and given how both teams are looking in the SEC standings this year, it’s going to be a complete dogfight.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Football Season
Since we can't watch a game today, we might as well look at what’s coming. The 2026 schedule is actually wild. It’s the first year of the new nine-game SEC format, which basically means there are no "easy" weeks anymore.
The Wildcats open up on September 5, 2026, against Youngstown State. That’ll be the debut for the new head coach, Will Stein. After that, the schedule turns into a gauntlet. We’ve got Alabama coming to Lexington on September 12. That game will almost certainly be on ABC or ESPN, depending on the kickoff time.
Here is the current look at the 2026 schedule for those already planning their tailgates:
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- Sept 5: Youngstown State (Home)
- Sept 12: Alabama (Home)
- Sept 19: at Texas A&M (Away)
- Sept 26: South Alabama (Home)
- Oct 3: at South Carolina (Away)
- Oct 10: LSU (Home)
- Oct 17: at Oklahoma (Away)
- Oct 24: Vanderbilt (Home)
- Nov 7: at Tennessee (Away)
- Nov 14: Florida (Home)
- Nov 21: at Missouri (Away)
- Nov 28: Louisville (Home)
Notice that Oklahoma game on October 17? That is the first time UK will play them as an official SEC opponent. It’s been about 44 years since these two teams shared a field.
What About the NFL?
Maybe you aren't talking about the Wildcats at all. Maybe you’re in the United Kingdom looking for "football"—meaning the NFL or the Premier League.
If you are a Houston Texans fan living in London, there is actually some big news today. The NFL Divisional Round is happening this weekend. In the UK, you can catch the games on Channel 5 or via Sky Sports. It’s free-to-air on Channel 5, which is a massive win for fans who don't want to shell out for a DAZN subscription just to see if CJ Stroud can pull off another miracle.
How to Stay Ready for Kickoff
When the season actually starts in September, finding what channel is uk football game on today becomes a lot simpler if you know the hierarchy.
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Most UK games will live on the SEC Network. If it’s a high-profile matchup—like the Alabama game or the Governor’s Cup against Louisville—look toward ABC or ESPN. For the games that don't make the main broadcast window, you’ll usually find them streaming on SEC Network+ via the ESPN app.
Honestly, the best thing you can do right now is set a calendar alert for September 5. The offseason feels long, but the transfer portal drama and spring practice reports will be here before you know it. For today, stick to the hardwood and watch the Cats take on the Vols on ESPN at noon.
Actionable Next Steps:
Double-check your ESPN app login credentials now so you aren't scrambling five minutes after tip-off for the basketball game. If you're strictly a football fan, mark September 12 on your calendar—that Alabama home game at Kroger Field is going to be the toughest ticket in Lexington this decade.