If you’re waking up in Austin or checking your phone from afar wondering what time does texas football play today, I have some news that might be a little bit of a letdown. Honestly, there isn't a game. Not today, Friday, January 16, 2026, and not for a while.
The Longhorns actually wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign a couple of weeks back. If you missed the ending, it was a pretty solid high note for Steve Sarkisian’s squad, even if it wasn't the College Football Playoff (CFP) run many fans were dreaming of back in September.
The Short Answer: No Game Today
Basically, the season is over. Texas played its final game on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2025. They headed out to Orlando for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl and took care of business against the Michigan Wolverines.
The final score was 41-27. It was a dominant showing that reminded everyone why the Horns were ranked in the top 15 for most of the year. Arch Manning and the offense looked sharp, which is a great sign for the future, but it also means the pads are packed away until the Orange-White spring game.
Where is the rest of college football?
While you won't find the Longhorns on the field today, the college football world hasn't totally gone dark. We are currently in that weird gap right before the National Championship. The CFP semifinals just finished up on January 8 and 9, 2026.
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The title game featuring Indiana and Miami is set for Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium. If you’re just looking for a football fix, that’s your next big date.
Why You Might Be Confused About the Schedule
It’s easy to get turned around with the schedule these days. With the expanded 12-team playoff, games are happening later into January than they used to. If Texas had made a deeper run into the quarterfinals or semifinals, they could have been playing right around now.
But, because they ended up in the Citrus Bowl—which is a prestigious bowl but not part of the playoff bracket—their season ended with the calendar year.
What’s Next for Texas Football?
Since there’s no game today, the focus in Austin has shifted entirely to the "second season": the transfer portal and recruiting.
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Honestly, the news cycle is almost as busy now as it is in October. Just this week, we saw some major movement. The Longhorns have been aggressive, recently landing former Auburn star wide receiver Cam Coleman. They also flipped a big commitment from running back Hollywood Smothers, who was originally looking at Alabama.
On the flip side, you’ve probably seen some departures. Offensive lineman Daniel Cruz officially committed to NC State a few days ago. It’s just the nature of the beast in 2026—the roster you see in the bowl game is rarely the one that takes the field in the fall.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
If you’re already planning your Saturdays for next year, the 2026 schedule is actually already out. It's going to be a gauntlet. Texas opens the season on September 5, 2026, against Texas State at DKR.
But the real date everyone has circled? September 12. Ohio State is coming to Austin. That’s going to be one of the biggest non-conference games in the country, and it'll likely be a night game with College GameDay in town.
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Here is a quick look at how the early 2026 season shapes up:
- Sept 5: Texas State (Home)
- Sept 12: Ohio State (Home)
- Sept 19: UTSA (Home)
- Sept 26: at Tennessee (Away) - First SEC trip to Knoxville!
- Oct 10: vs. Oklahoma (Dallas)
Actionable Steps for Longhorn Fans
Since you can't watch a game today, here is what you should actually do to stay in the loop:
- Check the Transfer Portal Tracker: Follow beat writers like those at Inside Texas or OrangeBloods. The roster for 2026 is being built right now through commitments and portal entries.
- Mark Your Calendar for the Spring Game: While the date hasn't been finalized, the Orange-White game usually falls in mid-to-late April. That’s your first chance to see the new enrollees.
- Watch the National Championship: Even though Texas isn't in it, watching Indiana and Miami on January 19 will give you a good look at the level the Longhorns need to hit to get back to the mountaintop next year.
- Renew Season Tickets: If you’re a high-priority donor or season ticket holder, the renewal windows for the 2026 season usually start opening up in late winter.
The quest for a 2026 SEC title starts in the weight room and the recruiting trail today, even if the scoreboard at DKR is dark.