The question of what time texas play depends entirely on whether you're looking for the basketball court or the football field today. It’s Thursday, January 15, 2026, and if you are a Longhorns fan, your eyes are likely glued to the hardwood right now.
Texas women’s basketball has a massive target on their back tonight. They are heading into a hostile environment at the Colonial Life Arena to face off against No. 2 South Carolina.
The tip-off for the No. 4 Texas vs. No. 2 South Carolina women's game is set for 6:00 PM CST. You can catch the action live on ESPN2. This isn’t just another mid-season game; it’s a heavyweight rematch. Earlier this season, Texas actually beat South Carolina in the Players Era Championship, so you know the Gamecocks are looking for some payback on their home floor.
Basketball Schedule and Where to Watch
If you were looking for the men's team, they just wrapped up a nail-biter against Vanderbilt last night. Sean Miller’s squad has been on a tear lately, especially after that gritty road win at Alabama.
The men’s team doesn't play today, but they have a huge rivalry game coming up. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 17, 2026. They’ll be taking on the Texas A&M Aggies at the Moody Center. Tip-off for that one is scheduled for 5:00 PM CST.
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Honestly, the atmosphere at the Moody Center for a Lonestar Showdown is something else. If you aren't there in person, you'll want to have the TV tuned in early because the SEC standings are incredibly tight this year.
What About Texas Football?
While we’re deep in the "winter grind" of basketball and swimming—shoutout to the TYR Pro Swim Series happening in Austin today as well—football fans are already looking toward the 2026 fall season. The schedule was just released, and it is a gauntlet.
The Longhorns will officially open the 2026 football season on September 5, 2026, against Texas State.
Most of the kickoff times for the fall are still listed as TBD, which is pretty standard for the SEC's television windows. However, we do know the marquee matchups. Ohio State comes to Austin on September 12. That’s likely going to be a "Big Noon Kickoff" or a primetime ABC slot.
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The Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma is set for October 10 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. If history is any indicator, that one usually lands in the 11:00 AM or 2:30 PM CST window.
Navigating the SEC Broadcast Windows
Since Texas moved to the SEC, figuring out what time texas play has become a bit of a science. The conference uses "Flex" windows. This means for most Saturday games, the exact time isn't confirmed until about 6 to 12 days before kickoff.
Basically, you’ve got three main slots:
- Early: 11:00 AM CST
- Afternoon: 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM CST
- Night: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM CST
For tonight’s women’s basketball game, the 6:00 PM start is firm. For the men's game this Saturday, that 5:00 PM slot is also locked in.
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Key Players to Watch Right Now
Rori Harmon is the name you’ll hear most on the broadcast tonight. She is currently chasing the all-time Texas steals record. She needs 12 more to pass Linda Waggoner’s record of 346, which has stood since 1980. Watching her defensive pressure is basically a masterclass in point guard play.
On the men's side, Jordan Pope and Tramon Mark have been the engines. Pope just put up 28 points in that win against Alabama. When those two are clicking, this team looks like a Final Four contender.
Summary of Upcoming Longhorn Games
For those of you trying to plan your week around the burnt orange, here is the immediate outlook:
- Tonight (Jan 15): Women's Basketball at South Carolina – 6:00 PM CST (ESPN2)
- Tonight (Jan 15): Men's/Women's Swimming vs TYR Pro Swim Series – All Day (Austin, TX)
- Saturday (Jan 17): Men's Basketball vs Texas A&M – 5:00 PM CST (Moody Center)
- Sunday (Jan 18): Women's Basketball vs Texas A&M – 3:00 PM CST (Moody Center)
Double-check your local listings if you're outside the Central Time Zone. It’s easy to get tripped up by the 7:00 PM Eastern start for the South Carolina game.
To stay ahead of the schedule, sync your digital calendar with the official Texas Athletics site. This ensures that any last-minute "flex" time changes for SEC broadcasts automatically update on your phone. If you are heading to the Moody Center this weekend, remember the clear bag policy is strictly enforced and parking around the arena usually fills up 90 minutes before tip-off.