If you're waking up in Rocky Top—or anywhere else for that matter—wondering what time do the Tennessee Vols play today, you've probably already got the orange shirt picked out. There's just something about January in Knoxville. The air is crisp, the pressure is mounting in the SEC standings, and every single game feels like it could make or break a season.
Honestly, tracking down the exact tip-off or kickoff time can be a total pain when you're just trying to plan your wings and dip. For Friday, January 16, 2026, the schedule is a bit unique. We are currently nestled in that sweet spot where football has just wrapped up its bowl season and the hardwood is taking center stage.
No Football Today, but the Hardwood is Heating Up
First things first: the football team is officially in the off-season. After a hard-fought battle in the Music City Bowl on December 30th against Illinois, Josh Heupel’s squad is back in the weight room. If you were looking for a pigskin fix today, you're out of luck. However, the 2026 schedule is already looking spicy, with the season opener against Furman set for September 5th.
But we aren't here to talk about September. We're here for right now.
For today, Friday, January 16, 2026, the main Tennessee athletic events aren't happening on the court, but rather on the track. The Vols Track & Field teams are splitting up for two major meets today. Some are heading to the Arkansas Invitational in Fayetteville, while others are staying closer to home for the Vanderbilt Invitational in Nashville. While track might not have the same "stadium-shaking" atmosphere as a Saturday at Neyland, these meets are crucial for qualifying times as we head toward the indoor championships.
The Big One: Tennessee vs. Kentucky is Tomorrow
I know what you're thinking. You want the basketball score. You want to see Rick Barnes stalking the sidelines.
Well, you’ve actually got a massive game tomorrow. The Tennessee Vols men's basketball team takes on the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
- Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center (Knoxville, TN)
- TV Channel: ESPN
This is a huge one. Tennessee is currently ranked #24 in the nation, and Kentucky is always a powerhouse. If you're looking for what time the Vols play today because you wanted to catch the hoops game, just hold that excitement for about 24 hours. The atmosphere in Knoxville for a noon tip-off against the Cats is basically unmatched in college sports.
Lady Vols: When Do They Take the Court?
Kim Caldwell has the Lady Vols playing some seriously high-octane basketball lately. They just came off a dominant 85-50 win over Arkansas, which kept them undefeated in SEC play.
If you are checking for the Lady Vols schedule today, they are also in a "prep day" mode. Their next big test is on the road.
They will travel to Tuscaloosa to face the Alabama Crimson Tide this Sunday, January 18th. That game is scheduled for 2:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on the SEC Network. It’s a bit of a wait, but watching Mia Pauldo and the rest of the crew run the floor is worth it.
Summary of Upcoming Vols Action
Since there isn't a basketball game exactly today, here is the quick-glance roadmap so you don't miss a beat over the weekend.
Friday, January 16 (Today):
- Track & Field: Arkansas Invitational (Fayetteville, AR) - All Day
- Track & Field: Vanderbilt Invitational (Nashville, TN) - All Day
Saturday, January 17 (Tomorrow):
- Men's Basketball: vs. Kentucky - 12:00 PM ET (ESPN)
- Women's Tennis: vs. Wake Forest - 11:00 AM ET (Knoxville)
Sunday, January 18:
- Women's Basketball: at Alabama - 2:00 PM ET (SEC Network)
Why the Schedule Matters Right Now
January is a "grind" month. For the men’s team, sitting at #24 means they are right on the bubble of being a protected seed in the NCAA tournament or falling into that dangerous 7-10 seed range. A win against Kentucky tomorrow would be a massive "Quad 1" victory.
For the Lady Vols, being #20 and undefeated in the SEC is a statement. Kim Caldwell’s first year has exceeded a lot of expectations, mostly because of how fast they play. They aren't just winning; they're exhausting teams.
Basically, if you’re a Vols fan, today is your "calm before the storm." It’s the day to make sure the TV is working, the snacks are bought, and your lucky orange socks are clean.
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Actionable Steps for Vols Fans Today
Since there's no game to watch on TV tonight, here’s how you can stay ahead of the curve:
- Check the AllVols App: This is the most reliable place for live stats if you're trying to follow the track and field results today.
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official UTSports website and download the composite schedule to your phone. It updates automatically if game times shift for TV.
- Secure Tomorrow's Tickets: If you're in Knoxville, check the secondary markets now. The Kentucky game is a guaranteed sell-out, and prices usually spike about four hours before tip-off.
- Listen to the Rick Barnes Show: Often these Friday evenings feature local radio broadcasts or coach's shows that give you the inside scoop on injuries or lineup changes before the Saturday morning shootaround.
Don't let the lack of a game today get you down. The SEC gauntlet is just getting started, and by this time tomorrow, Thompson-Boling Arena will be deafening.