If you're looking for what college games play today, you’ve picked a wild Tuesday to tune in. The college football world is currently catching its breath after the semifinals, with everyone eyeing that massive January 19th showdown between Indiana and Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. But honestly? Tonight is all about the hardwood.
College basketball is currently in that beautiful, chaotic "mid-January grind" where conference standings start to actually mean something. We have a massive slate tonight, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, featuring undefeated juggernauts, desperate blue bloods, and some serious rivalry heat.
The Headliners: Iowa State vs. Kansas
This is the big one. If you only watch one game tonight, make it No. 16-0 Iowa State at Kansas.
The Cyclones are walking into the Phog (Allen Fieldhouse) with a perfect record and a massive target on their backs. Kansas, sitting at 11-5, has had a bit of an up-and-down season, but they are still the Jayhawks. Winning in Lawrence is basically the hardest task in sports.
- When: 9:00 PM ET
- Where to watch: ESPN
- The Vibe: High-stakes Big 12 physical basketball. Expect a lot of noise and probably a few technical fouls.
Iowa State is currently a 3.5-point favorite, which is kind of wild considering the venue. The computers like the Cyclones by a hair (about a 57% win probability), but Bill Self rarely loses back-to-back home games.
Big East Battles at the Garden
Over in New York, we’ve got a classic Big East double-header energy, even if it’s just one game at the World's Most Famous Arena. St. John’s is hosting Marquette at Madison Square Garden.
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St. John’s (11-5) has been playing some inspired ball under the bright lights, while Marquette (6-11) is struggling big time on the road. The Red Storm are heavy favorites here—nearly 15 points—but Marquette usually finds a way to keep things gritty.
- Tip-off: 6:30 PM ET
- Channel: Peacock (Yeah, you’ll need the app for this one).
SEC Road Tests: Florida at Oklahoma
It still feels a little weird saying "Oklahoma in the SEC," doesn't it? Well, it’s happening. No. 19 Florida is heading to Norman to face a 11-5 Sooners squad.
Florida has been on a tear lately, knocking off ranked opponents at home. Now they need to prove they can win in a hostile environment. Keep an eye on Oklahoma’s Nijel Pack. He’s the engine for the Sooners, and if Florida can’t slow him down at the perimeter, it’s going to be a long night for the Gators.
- Start Time: 9:00 PM ET
- Network: ESPN2
The Best of the Rest
If those don't tickle your fancy, the ACC and Big Ten are filling out the rest of the schedule with some solid matchups.
Texas A&M at Tennessee (7:00 PM ET, SEC Network)
The Vols are always a tough out at Thompson-Boling Arena. This is a classic "defense vs. athleticism" matchup. Tennessee's pressure is relentless, and the Aggies are going to have to handle the rock perfectly to stay in it.
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UConn at Seton Hall (8:00 PM ET, truTV/Max)
The Huskies are the gold standard right now. Taking them on at the Prudential Center is a tall order for the Pirates, but Seton Hall has a history of ruining UConn’s week in New Jersey.
Wisconsin at Minnesota (7:00 PM ET, Big Ten Network)
A border battle. It doesn't matter what the records are; these two fanbases generally don't like each other. Expect a slow-paced, grind-it-out Big Ten game that might finish in the 60s.
Quick Glance: Other Notable Tuesday Tip-offs
- Virginia at Louisville: 7:00 PM ET (ESPN2) - Two programs trying to find their identity.
- Maryland at USC: 10:30 PM ET (FS1) - The late-night "After Dark" special for the West Coast fans.
- Boise State at UNLV: 11:00 PM ET (CBS Sports Network) - For the true hoop sickos who stay up late.
Why Today Matters for the Rankings
We are exactly one week away from the next AP Poll, and tonight’s results will shift the narrative. If Iowa State falls to Kansas, the "undefeated" talk ends, and we might see a new number one. If Florida wins on the road, they likely jump into the top 15.
It's also a massive night for the "bubble" teams. Teams like West Virginia (playing Houston at 8:30 PM) and Oklahoma State (hosting Baylor at 9:00 PM) need these "Quad 1" wins desperately if they want to be dancing in March.
What About College Football?
I know, I know. You're probably looking for a helmet game.
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There are no college football games today. We are in the dead zone between the semifinals and the National Championship. The Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes are currently in Florida preparing for the title game on Monday, January 19th.
If you need a football fix, you're mostly stuck with highlight reels or the "Big Ten in 60" replays on the Big Ten Network, which is showing the Peach Bowl replay (Indiana vs. Oregon) later tonight.
Your Game Plan for Tonight
If you’re trying to navigate what college games play today without losing your mind, here is how I’d play it:
- Start with Marquette vs. St. John's at 6:30. It's at the Garden. The atmosphere is always better there.
- Flip to Tennessee vs. Texas A&M at 7:00 during the St. John's halftime.
- The main event is at 9:00. Get the snacks ready for Iowa State at Kansas. That’s the game that will be lead-story material on SportsCenter tomorrow morning.
- The nightcap: If you're still awake, check out Maryland at USC at 10:30. It’s a good look at how the Big Ten’s newest members are adjusting to those late-night Pacific Time road trips.
Check your local listings or your streaming apps (ESPN+, Peacock, and Max cover about 80% of tonight's action). Most of these games are conference matchups, so the intensity is going to be a notch higher than those early December blowouts we saw a month ago. Enjoy the hoops.
Next Steps for Your Sports Fix
Check the live betting lines about 30 minutes before tip-off to see where the "sharp" money is moving, especially for that Iowa State/Kansas spread. You should also verify your Peacock or Max subscription status now so you aren't scrambling and missing the first ten minutes of the Big East or Big Ten action.