If you woke up today thinking it’s just another Thursday in January, your bracket-loving heart is about to skip a beat. Honestly, the mid-January slate is usually where the "men are separated from the boys," or more accurately, where the tournament resumes start looking like actual resumes and not just wishful thinking.
The big question on your mind is likely what time are the ncaa games today, and the answer is basically: all night long. We have a massive crossover between the men’s and women’s Top 25, meaning your remote is going to get a serious workout.
The Headliners: Top 25 Showdowns You Can't Miss
Today, January 15, 2026, isn't just about volume; it's about quality. If you only have one screen, you've gotta make some tough choices.
The undisputed "Game of the Night" is happening on the women’s side. We are looking at a massive #4 Texas vs. #2 South Carolina matchup. This is a rematch with championship-level stakes, and it’s tipping off at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN2. If you’re a fan of high-level defensive schemes and transition play, this is your Super Bowl for the week.
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On the men’s side, the ranked action is dominated by the West Coast. #9 Gonzaga is heading into a hostile environment to face Washington State. That game is scheduled for a late tip at 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM local time in Pullman) on CBS Sports Network. Gonzaga has been looking dominant, but the Palouse is a weird place where top teams go to struggle.
Notable Men's Matchups
- New Mexico State at Liberty: 6:00 PM ET (CBSSN)
- Oakland at Milwaukee: 7:00 PM ET (ESPNU)
- Wichita State at Florida Atlantic: 9:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
- Charleston at Towson: 8:00 PM ET (CBSSN)
What Time Are the NCAA Games Today for the Big Ten and SEC?
The conference schedules are in full swing, and today is particularly heavy on the Big Ten and SEC women's side. If you're wondering when the powerhouses are hitting the floor, here is the breakdown.
For the Big Ten, #25 Nebraska is visiting #14 Michigan State at 7:00 PM ET. You can catch that one on the Big Ten Network. Simultaneously, over on Peacock, #25 Illinois (receiving votes in some polls) is taking on #7 Michigan. It’s a busy hour for the Great Lakes region.
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The SEC is equally chaotic. Florida is visiting #6 Kentucky at 7:00 PM ET (streaming on SECN+), while the marquee SEC game—#5 Vanderbilt at Mississippi State—starts slightly earlier at 6:30 PM ET on the SEC Network.
Expert Tip: If you're trying to track multiple games, remember that "start times" in college basketball are notoriously "flexible." A 7:00 PM tip-off usually means the ball isn't in the air until 7:10 PM. Plan your snack runs accordingly.
Where to Watch: TV and Streaming Guide
Streaming has basically taken over the college basketball world. You can't just rely on cable anymore. Today’s schedule is spread across at least six different platforms.
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- ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU: This is where you'll find the heavy hitters like Texas/South Carolina and Wichita State/FAU.
- Peacock: You’ll need this for the Michigan and Maryland games today. Specifically, #15 Maryland at USC kicks off at 9:00 PM ET.
- CBS Sports Network (CBSSN): This is the home for the Gonzaga game and the earlier Liberty matchup.
- BTN & SEC Network: Essential for your conference-specific loyalty.
- FloHoops/FloCollege: If you follow the CAA (Elon, Hofstra, Drexel), you’re going to be spending some time here starting around 7:00 PM ET.
- ACCN (ACC Network): Catch #9 Louisville at Notre Dame at 6:00 PM ET.
Why Today Matters for the Rankings
We are at that point in the season where "Projected Seeds" start appearing in the corner of the screen. A loss for #1 UConn (who plays Villanova at 7:00 PM ET) wouldn't just be an upset; it would reshape the entire top of the bracket.
Most people don't talk about the mid-major games, but watch that Charleston at Towson game at 8:00 PM ET. Towson has been a defensive juggernaut this year, and Charleston is trying to prove they belong in the at-large conversation. It’s a "bubble" game in January, which is the best kind of drama.
Actionable Steps for Today's Slate
Don't get overwhelmed by the wall of games. Here is how to handle the schedule:
- Sync your apps: Ensure your Peacock and ESPN+ logins are actually working before 7:00 PM. Nothing kills the mood like a password reset during a buzzer-beater.
- Prioritize the 7 PM Window: This is the "crunch hour." If you have a picture-in-picture feature, use it for the Texas/South Carolina and Nebraska/Michigan State games.
- Watch the Late Lines: For the 10:00 PM Gonzaga game, keep an eye on the injury reports for Washington State. Pullman in January is a tough travel spot, and "tired legs" are a real thing in the second half.
- Check Local Listings: Some smaller conference games (like those in the Horizon League or the Patriot League) are only on ESPN+.
The season is moving fast. By the time the #13 Iowa game starts at 9:00 PM ET tonight, we’ll likely already have two or three major upsets in the books. Keep your eyes on the ticker and enjoy the madness.