If you're asking what time does the texas game start, you aren't alone. It’s early 2026, and the Forty Acres are buzzing. Whether you're heading to the Moody Center or just trying to time your grocery run so you're back on the couch before tip-off, the schedule is the only thing that matters right now.
Texas is deep into its second full season in the SEC. Honestly, the shift in energy has been wild. We used to worry about mid-week trips to Ames; now we’re looking at a gauntlet of blue bloods every single Tuesday and Saturday. It’s a lot to keep track of, especially when kickoff or tip-off times seem to shift every time a TV executive sneezes.
Today's Schedule: When the Longhorns Take the Court
Right now, the primary focus for most fans is the hardwood. The Texas Men’s Basketball team is currently preparing for one of the most anticipated home games of the season.
The Texas vs. Texas A&M game is set for Saturday, January 17, 2026. The official start time for the Longhorns and Aggies in Austin is 5:00 PM CT.
If you're planning to watch from home, the game is being broadcast on ESPN. This isn't just another conference game. This is the Lone Star Showdown brought to the Moody Center, and the atmosphere is going to be electric. If you have tickets, get there early. The doors usually open 90 minutes before the buzzer, and with a 5 PM start, the South Congress traffic is going to be a nightmare. Plan accordingly.
💡 You might also like: Nebraska Basketball Women's Schedule: What Actually Matters This Season
Looking Back at Yesterday's Thriller
It's worth noting that the Women’s team just came off an absolute battle. On Thursday, January 15, the No. 4 ranked Texas Women traveled to Columbia to face No. 2 South Carolina. It was a 7 PM ET tip-off that lived up to every bit of the hype. Even though they narrowly missed the win (losing 68-65), Madison Booker looked like the best player in the country for long stretches of that game.
Finding the Texas Game Start Time: A Quick Reference
TV schedules are fickle. Here is the breakdown for the immediate games on the horizon so you don't miss a beat.
- Men’s Basketball vs. Texas A&M: Saturday, Jan 17 at 5:00 PM CT (ESPN).
- Women’s Basketball vs. Texas A&M: Sunday, Jan 18 at 3:00 PM CT (SEC Network).
- Men’s Basketball vs. Mississippi State: Wednesday, Jan 21 at 8:00 PM CT (SEC Network).
Notice the trend? The SEC loves those late-night Wednesday slots. An 8 PM start means you aren't getting out of the arena until nearly 11 PM. It's great for the "Moody Magic" atmosphere, but it’s definitely a struggle for the 8 AM work crowd the next morning.
Why the Start Times Keep Changing
You've probably noticed that some games on the schedule are listed as "TBD" until about two weeks out. This drives fans crazy. I get it. You're trying to book a flight or a dinner reservation, and the SEC is being vague.
📖 Related: Missouri vs Alabama Football: What Really Happened at Faurot Field
Basically, it all comes down to the "flex scheduling" agreements with ESPN and the SEC Network. They want the highest-ranked matchups in the 7 PM or 2:30 PM windows. If Texas is on a winning streak, expect more evening games. If they stumble, we might see more of those noon "breakfast" kickoffs or tip-offs.
Also, keep an eye on the time zones. When Texas travels to places like Kentucky or Tennessee, the local time is Eastern. A 7 PM start in Knoxville means you need to be in front of your TV at 6 PM in Austin. It’s a simple thing, but I’ve seen plenty of people miss the first half because they forgot the SEC stretches across two time zones now.
Football 2026: Looking Ahead to the Fall
I know, it’s only January. But in Austin, football season never really ends. The 2026 schedule was recently finalized, and it is a beast.
The biggest question everyone asks is about the Red River Rivalry. Mark your calendars for October 10, 2026. As is tradition, the game against Oklahoma will be at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. While the official time isn't set yet, history tells us to expect a 11:00 AM or 2:30 PM CT start.
👉 See also: Miami Heat New York Knicks Game: Why This Rivalry Still Hits Different
The 2026 season opener is September 5 against Texas State. This is actually a pretty cool geographic rivalry that doesn't happen often enough. After that, the Buckeyes come to town. Texas vs. Ohio State on September 12 is going to be the biggest non-conference game in the country. Expect a night game for that one—it has "ABC Saturday Night Football" written all over it.
How to Stay Updated Without Losing Your Mind
If you're tired of Googling what time does the texas game start every few days, there are better ways to stay in the loop.
First, the official Texas Longhorns app is surprisingly decent. It syncs with your phone's calendar. Just be warned: when a game time moves from TBD to a specific hour, it doesn't always send a notification.
Second, follow the official beat writers on social media. People like Brian Davis or the crew over at Inside Texas usually have the "rumored" times before they become official. Sometimes the TV networks leak the windows a few days early to the press.
Lastly, check the "Direct From the SEC" updates. Since the move from the Big 12, the conference’s own media portal has become the gold standard for accuracy.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Texas Athletics website and use the "Add to Calendar" feature for both the Men's and Women's hoops teams. It updates automatically when the TBDs disappear.
- Check the Network: If you don't have SEC Network in your cable package, look into a streaming service like Fubo or YouTube TV. Most of the January and February games are exclusive to those channels.
- Plan for Traffic: If the game starts at 5:00 PM on a Saturday in Austin, you need to be moving by 3:30 PM. The area around I-35 and MLK is a parking lot on game days.
- Confirm the Time Zone: Always double-check if "7:00 PM" refers to Central or Eastern time when the Horns are on the road in SEC country.