So, you're looking for the kickoff time for the Texas game. Honestly, I get it. Trying to plan a tailgate or even just a grocery run around a Longhorn schedule can feel like trying to predict the Texas weather—unpredictable and occasionally frustrating. If you are checking right now, in the middle of January 2026, the short answer is: the "game" is currently on hold.
The Longhorns just wrapped up their 2025 season with a massive 41-27 win over Michigan in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Arch Manning and the crew sent the Wolverines packing, and now we are in that weird, quiet "dead zone" of the off-season.
But I know why you're here. You’re likely looking for the 2026 schedule or trying to figure out when the next Saturday in Austin actually starts. Here is the deal with the 2026 season and why you probably won't see an exact "what time is UT game" answer for a few more months.
The 2026 Texas Football Schedule: What We Know
The SEC officially dropped the 2026 schedule back in December, and it's a monster. We’ve got some massive home games coming up at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium.
Here is how the 2026 season opener looks:
Texas kicks off the year on Saturday, September 5, 2026, against Texas State.
Now, the part that drives everyone crazy: the kickoff time for that game (and basically every other game) is currently listed as TBA.
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Why? Because of the "TV Windows."
In the modern era of the SEC and their massive deal with Disney (ABC/ESPN), they don't just pick a time and stick to it six months out. They wait to see which games are the "sexiest" for national television. Usually, we don't get the actual kickoff times for the early season games until late May or June. For the conference games later in the year, we often don't know the time until 6 to 12 days before the actual game. It’s a logistical nightmare for anyone trying to book a hotel in Austin.
Key Matchups and Potential Times
Even though the clock isn't set, we can make some very educated guesses based on the opponents.
The Ohio State Rematch (Sept 12)
This is the one everyone has circled. After losing a heartbreaker 14-7 to the Buckeyes in Columbus last year, Ohio State is coming to Austin. Because this is a massive non-conference showdown between two blue bloods, you can almost bet your life this will be a "Big Noon" kickoff on Fox or a Primetime ABC game. If it's ABC, expect a 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM CT start. If Fox wins the bid, get your coffee ready for 11:00 AM CT.
The Red River Rivalry (Oct 10)
Some things never change. The game against Oklahoma at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas is almost always a midday affair. While it has occasionally moved, the traditional 11:00 AM or 2:30 PM CT slots are the safest bets. Last year, Texas took care of business in Dallas with a 23-6 win, and with the Sooners coming off a playoff run, the 2026 edition will be electric.
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The Road Gauntlet: Tennessee and LSU
Texas has a brutal road schedule in 2026. They head to Knoxville on September 26 to face Tennessee and then go to Baton Rouge on November 14.
- Tennessee: This is the first time the "Real UT" debate happens in the SEC.
- LSU: A night game at Death Valley is basically a rite of passage. If you're looking for what time is UT game for the LSU trip, assume it's going to be a late one. The SEC loves putting Texas in that night window for maximum atmosphere.
Why Kickoff Times Keep Changing
It basically comes down to the "Flex" schedule. The SEC uses three primary windows: Early (usually 11 AM CT), Afternoon (2:30 PM to 3:30 PM CT), and Night (6:00 PM to 7:00 PM CT).
Networks like ESPN and ABC have "selection rights." They wait to see who is ranked and who is undefeated before they lock in the time. If Texas and Florida are both undefeated heading into their October 17 matchup, that game moves from a "flex" spot to a "Primetime" spot. If one of them has a couple of losses, it might get buried in the 11:00 AM "cupcake" slot.
It sucks for fans, but it’s great for TV ratings.
The 2026 Schedule at a Glance
- Sept 5: Texas State (Home) - Time TBA
- Sept 12: Ohio State (Home) - Time TBA
- Sept 19: UTSA (Home) - Time TBA
- Sept 26: at Tennessee (Away) - Time TBA
- Oct 10: vs Oklahoma (Dallas) - Time TBA
- Oct 17: Florida (Home) - Time TBA
- Oct 24: Ole Miss (Home) - Time TBA
- Oct 31: Mississippi State (Home) - Time TBA
- Nov 7: at Missouri (Away) - Time TBA
- Nov 14: at LSU (Away) - Time TBA
- Nov 21: Arkansas (Home) - Time TBA
- Nov 27: at Texas A&M (Away) - Black Friday, Time TBA
Pro-Tips for Longhorn Fans
If you are trying to stay ahead of the "what time is UT game" curve, stop checking the generic ticket sites. They often put "12:00 PM" as a placeholder, which leads to people showing up four hours late or six hours early.
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The best way to get the real info is to follow the official Texas Football Twitter (X) account or check the SEC Mobile App. They usually announce the "Television Window" (Early, Afternoon, or Night) for the entire season in the summer, even if they don't give the exact minute of kickoff.
Also, keep an eye on the Friday games. The season finale against Texas A&M is on Friday, Nov 27, 2026. This "Lone Star Showdown" has moved back to Black Friday, which usually means a late afternoon or primetime kickoff to capture that post-Thanksgiving audience.
For now, enjoy the off-season. Watch some Arch Manning highlights from the Citrus Bowl win. The 2026 season is going to be a wild ride, and while we don't have the exact minutes and seconds for kickoff yet, the atmosphere in Austin for that Ohio State game in September is already building up to be legendary.
Check back in May for the first round of official time reveals from the SEC. That is when the networks usually lock in the first three weeks of the season. Until then, keep the burnt orange gear ready and maybe don't book those non-refundable flights just yet.
Next Steps for Longhorn Fans:
- Mark your calendar for June 2026, which is when the SEC usually announces the first three weeks of kickoff times.
- Verify your TV provider has access to the SEC Network and ABC/ESPN, as several games will move to streaming-only (ESPN+/SEC+) for non-conference matchups like UTSA or Texas State.
- Book lodging early for the October 10 game in Dallas, as the Red River Rivalry fills up hotels months before a kickoff time is ever announced.