So, you're looking for the orange and blue. Honestly, there is nothing quite like a game day in Gainesville, but if you aren't physically standing in the middle of University Avenue, you’ve gotta know exactly when to tune in.
Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and if you’re asking when does the florida gators play today, the answer is actually pretty straightforward. We've got one major matchup on the docket, and it's happening right in the heart of the Swamp.
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The Big Matchup: Florida Gators vs. Missouri Tigers
If you are looking for the men's team today, you're a day late. The guys just pulled off a massive 98-94 win against No. 10 Vanderbilt yesterday in Nashville—shoutout to Xaivian Lee for that stepback three. But today, the spotlight shifts back to the O’Dome for the women's squad.
The Florida Gators women’s basketball team is hosting the Missouri Tigers today, January 18, 2026.
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Here is the quick breakdown of the timing:
- Tip-off Time: 2:00 PM ET
- Location: Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center (Gainesville, FL)
- Broadcast: SEC Network+
Basically, if you have the ESPN app or a service like Fubo, you're good to go. The Gators are currently 12-8 and, frankly, they really need this one. They’ve been on a bit of a five-game slide lately, and Missouri (13-7) isn't exactly going to hand it to them.
Why This Game Matters
Look, the SEC is a gauntlet this year. Florida is coming off a tough road loss to No. 7 Kentucky (89-94) just a few days ago. They’ve shown they can score—Liv McGill is absolute lightning, averaging over 23 points a game—but they've struggled to close out tight ones. Me’Arah O’Neal has been a beast on the boards, but the team needs a "W" today to stop the bleeding before they head to Baton Rouge to face LSU next week.
Looking Ahead: The Next Few Days
Since you’re already checking the schedule, it’s worth noting that the O’Connell Center is going to be hopping all week.
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On Tuesday, January 20, the men’s basketball team returns home to face the LSU Tigers at 7:00 PM ET. That game is going to be electric. The men’s team is riding high after that Vandy win, and the atmosphere in Gainesville is always different when the students are back in full force.
By the end of the week, specifically Friday, January 23, things get even busier:
- Men’s Tennis vs. Kentucky at 11:00 AM.
- Gymnastics travels to Auburn for a meet at 8:45 PM.
If you were hoping for baseball, you're just a few weeks early. The 2026 baseball season officially kicks off on February 13 with a home series against UAB. Condron Family Ballpark is going to be the place to be once the weather settles into that perfect Florida spring vibe.
How to Follow the Gators Today
If you can't get to a TV or stream the game on SEC Network+, you can always catch the radio broadcast. The Gators Sports Network from LEARFIELD usually carries these games, often on 98.1 FM/850 AM WRUF in the Gainesville area.
One thing to keep in mind: times can shift slightly due to TV broadcast windows or previous games running long, but 2:00 PM is the firm start time for today.
Actionable Steps for Today's Game:
- Check your login: Ensure your ESPN app or cable provider login is active now so you don't miss the first quarter fumbling with a password.
- Parking in Gainesville: If you are actually heading to the O'Dome, remember that Sunday parking is usually easier, but the lots near the stadium still fill up fast by 1:00 PM.
- Keep an eye on the standings: A win today against Missouri moves Florida back toward the middle of the SEC pack, which is vital for tournament seeding later this March.
Go Gators!