So, you're looking for the burnt orange. If you’re asking "what time does Texas play today," you’ve likely realized that being a Longhorn fan in 2026 means keeping a very close eye on the calendar. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and it's a massive day for Texas athletics, especially if you’re a fan of basketball or tennis.
We aren't talking about football—that season is wrapped up for now—but the Moody Center and the Texas Tennis Center are basically the centers of the universe today. Here is the lowdown on the matchups, the start times, and where you can actually watch these games without pulling your hair out.
Texas Women’s Basketball vs. Texas A&M: The Lone Star Showdown
The headline event today is undeniably on the hardwood. The No. 4 ranked Texas Longhorns women's basketball team is hosting their arch-rivals, the Texas A&M Aggies. This isn't just another conference game; it’s the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown, and the energy in Austin is going to be electric.
What time does Texas play today for basketball? The tip-off is set for 3:00 PM CT.
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If you aren't lucky enough to have a seat at the Moody Center, you can catch the broadcast on the SEC Network. Honestly, this team has been a juggernaut lately, coming into today with an 18-1 record. They’re coming off a tough, narrow loss to South Carolina just a few days ago, so expect them to play with a chip on their shoulder.
No. 2 Men’s Tennis vs. No. 5 Virginia
If you prefer a racket to a rim, you’ve got a top-five clash happening earlier in the afternoon. The No. 2 Texas Men’s Tennis team is taking on No. 5 Virginia. This is a heavyweight fight in the collegiate tennis world.
The match starts at 12:30 PM CT at the Texas Tennis Center in Austin.
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Texas and Virginia have a bit of a history. Virginia has historically dominated the series (13-3), but the Longhorns finally broke a long losing streak against them last year during the ITA Indoors. This match is basically a preview of what we might see deep in the NCAA tournament later this spring. If you can't make it out, the university usually provides live stats and video through their official "Hook 'Em" stats portal.
Summary of Today's Longhorn Schedule
- Men’s Tennis: vs. No. 5 Virginia at 12:30 PM CT (Texas Tennis Center)
- Women’s Basketball: vs. Texas A&M at 3:00 PM CT (Moody Center / SEC Network)
- Women's Tennis: Also in action today; check local listings for individual match times as part of their Sunday slate.
What About the Other Sports?
You might be wondering about the guys on the court. The Texas Men’s Basketball team doesn't play today. They are currently prepping for a Wednesday night clash against Mississippi State on January 21st.
As for baseball, we are still a few weeks away. The 2026 Texas Baseball season doesn't officially kick off until February 13th with a home series against UC Davis. However, mark your calendars for January 31st, as that's the annual Alumni Game—always a fun way to see the legends return to UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
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Why Today’s Basketball Game is a Must-Watch
Let's get back to the Aggies. The rivalry between Texas and A&M is one of the oldest and most bitter in college sports. Since Texas moved to the SEC, these games have taken on a whole new level of "mean."
Texas is currently sitting near the top of the national rankings. They’ve been dominant at home, going 12-0 at the Moody Center so far this season. Meanwhile, A&M is fighting to find consistency, coming in with an 8-5 record. But records go out the window in a rivalry game. Last year, Texas took them down 70-50, and the Aggies are definitely looking for revenge.
Planning Your Sunday in Austin
If you're heading to the games, remember that Austin traffic on a Sunday can be surprisingly annoying, especially near the University of Texas campus.
- Parking: For the tennis match, you can usually find parking in the East Campus Garage. For the Moody Center, you'll want to have your parking pass sorted for the Manor Garage or Trinity Garage well in advance.
- Tickets: The women's basketball game is seeing high demand. Some resale tickets are starting around $9, but the lower bowl is likely to be packed.
- Broadcast: If you're staying home, make sure your cable or streaming package includes the SEC Network. If you're out of the region, the ESPN app is your best bet for streaming both the basketball and the tennis live stats.
Knowing what time does Texas play today is only half the battle; knowing where to find the channel is the other half. For those on the move, the Longhorn Radio Network (KVET-FM in Austin) will have the call for the basketball game, which is perfect if you're stuck in the car.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
To make sure you don't miss a beat for the rest of the season, follow these steps:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Texas Athletics website and download the composite schedule to your phone. It updates automatically if game times shift due to TV broadcast changes.
- Check the SEC App: Since Texas is now firmly in the SEC, the "SEC Mobile" app is surprisingly good for tracking live scores and "who's on next" across all sports, not just football.
- Verify the TV Listings: Always double-check the "SEC Network" vs "SEC Network+" distinction. Some matches—like the tennis one today—are streamed online-only (SEC Network+), while the big basketball rivalry is on the main cable channel.