If you’re scrambling to find out what time does the Longhorns play today, you aren't alone. It’s Thursday, January 15, 2026, and the schedule is a bit of a whirlwind since Texas moved into the SEC.
Basically, if you’re looking for the men's team, you're a couple of days early. They don't suit up until Saturday. But for the heavy hitters tonight, all eyes are on the women’s squad.
The No. 4 Texas Longhorns are heading into a massive hostile environment tonight at Colonial Life Arena to face off against the No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks. This isn’t just another conference game. It’s a rematch of the Players Era Championship from back in November, and honestly, it’s probably the biggest game in college basketball so far this year.
The Short Answer: Kickoff and Tip-off Times
Let's get right to the point because nobody likes scrolling through five paragraphs of "history" when they just want to set their DVR.
The Texas Longhorns women's basketball team plays today, Thursday, January 15, at 6:00 p.m. Central Time (7:00 p.m. Eastern).
👉 See also: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
The game is being broadcast nationally on ESPN2. If you're stuck in traffic or away from a TV, you can catch the radio call on AM 1300 The Zone or via the official Texas Sports website. Craig Way and Kathy Harston are on the mic for the Longhorn side, which is always a treat if you like a little "homer" energy with your play-by-play.
Why This Game is Huge (Seriously)
Texas is currently sitting at 18-1. Their only blemish? A tough loss to LSU just this past Sunday. They are hungry to bounce back, but South Carolina is the ultimate "final boss" in this sport. Dawn Staley has the Gamecocks on a 10-game winning streak.
Interestingly, Texas is actually the only team that has beaten South Carolina this season. They took them down in Las Vegas back in November to win a tournament title. Now, South Carolina wants blood.
Players to Watch
- Rori Harmon: She’s only 12 steals away from breaking the all-time Texas record set by Linda Waggoner in 1980. Keep an eye on her hands tonight.
- Madison Booker: She’s coming off some incredible performances, including a triple-double earlier this season. She's averaging about 19.2 points per game.
- Jordan Lee: She’s been a revelation lately, scoring in double figures in almost every game this season.
On the other side, South Carolina has Joyce Edwards, who is a legitimate National Player of the Year candidate. She's put up over 20 points per game and is a nightmare to guard in the paint.
✨ Don't miss: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
What About the Men's Team?
If you were looking for the guys, they are currently 11-6 and resting up. They don't play today. Their next big test is against Texas A&M on Saturday, January 17, at 5:00 p.m. CT. That one will be at the Moody Center in Austin, and from what I’ve seen on the ticket sites, it’s already sold out.
The men's team is still finding its identity under the new SEC gauntlet. They’ve had some flashes of brilliance, but they’ve also struggled with consistency on the road. Facing the Aggies at home will be a massive litmus test for their postseason hopes.
How to Watch and Stream
If you’re cutting the cord, you’ve got options. Since the game is on ESPN2, you can stream it through:
- The ESPN App (if you have a cable login).
- YouTube TV or FuboTV.
- Sling TV (Orange package usually carries the ESPN family).
For those who prefer the radio, Sirius XM usually carries these top-five matchups. Check channel 81 or the app if you're driving.
🔗 Read more: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
Looking Ahead at the Schedule
After tonight's clash in Columbia, the Longhorns don't get much of a break. The SEC is a grind. The women will have to travel back and prep for their next conference opponent, while the men prepare for that Saturday showdown with A&M.
If you're planning your week, keep Saturday afternoon clear for the men's game and maybe a Wednesday night for the next road trip to Kentucky on Jan 21.
Actionable Next Steps
- Set your alerts: If you use Google Calendar or Apple Calendar, set an alert for 5:45 p.m. CT today so you don't miss the tip-off on ESPN2.
- Check the Radio: Download the "Texas Longhorns" official app if you want to listen to the home-team broadcast for free while you're on the move.
- Tickets: If you're looking to attend the Texas A&M game on Saturday, check secondary markets like StubHub or SeatGeek immediately; the box office is officially out of seats.
Everything is on the line tonight for the women’s team to prove that their November win over the Gamecocks wasn’t a fluke. Grab some wings, get the TV tuned to ESPN2, and get ready for a battle.