You've probably been flipping through the guide, checking the ESPN app, or frantically texting the group chat trying to figure out what channel is ut football game today. It’s a Saturday in January. Usually, that means prime-time pigskin and screaming at the TV.
But here’s the reality: The Texas Longhorns aren't playing today.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer if you were looking for that Burnt Orange fix. If you’re seeing "Texas" on the schedule for January 17, 2026, you’re likely looking at the basketball team taking on Texas A&M at 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. That’s a massive rivalry game, sure, but it’s not the football squad.
The Search for What Channel Is UT Football Game Today
Most folks asking about the channel today are likely caught up in the excitement of the post-season. We just watched Texas wrap up a solid 10-3 season under Steve Sarkisian. They capped it off with a 41-27 win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl back on December 31.
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Because they didn't make the final cut for the College Football Playoff semifinals (those spots went to teams like Indiana and Miami this year), their season is officially in the books.
Why the Confusion Happens
It's easy to get mixed up. The NFL is currently in the middle of the Divisional Round. Today, January 17, features the Buffalo Bills at the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks at the San Francisco 49ers. When people see "football" all over the headlines, the brain naturally looks for the Longhorns.
Also, the College Football Playoff National Championship is just around the corner. That game—Indiana vs. Miami—is set for Monday, January 19, 2026. It'll be on ESPN at 7:30 p.m. ET. If you were hoping UT was in that slot, they unfortunately missed the bus this year despite a Top 15 ranking.
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Where the Longhorns Finished the 2025-26 Season
Texas had a rollercoaster of a year. They started with a tough 14-7 loss to Ohio State but bounced back hard. They beat Oklahoma 23-6 in the Red River Rivalry and took down Texas A&M 27-17 to end the regular season.
- Final Record: 10-3
- Conference: 6-2 in the SEC
- Post-Season: Citrus Bowl Champions
If you really need a football fix, the NFL is your only real option today. CBS and FOX are handling the professional games. For college fans, the wait continues until Monday night’s title game in Miami Gardens.
What’s Next for Texas Football?
Since there is no "what channel is ut football game today" answer for an actual live game, fans are already looking toward the 2026 season. The schedule is already out, and it’s a gauntlet.
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They open up on September 5, 2026, against Texas State. But the real date everyone has circled? September 12, 2026. Ohio State comes to Austin. That’s going to be the game of the year at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Actionable Steps for Longhorn Fans Today
- Switch to Basketball: Catch the Longhorns vs. Aggies on ESPN at 6:00 p.m. ET. It’s the best way to support the university today.
- Watch the NFL Playoffs: Check CBS or FOX for the Divisional Round games if you just need to see a ball being thrown.
- Set a Calendar Alert: Mark Monday, January 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET for the National Championship on ESPN to see who takes the crown Texas will be chasing next year.
- Review the 2026 Schedule: Start planning your trips to Knoxville or Baton Rouge now, as the SEC schedule for next fall is already live on the official Texas Athletics site.
The season might be over, but the recruiting trail and the transfer portal are wide open. That's where the real "game" is happening right now for Sark and the staff.