If you’re standing on Congress Avenue right now or just refreshing your feed to see if you can snag a last-minute ticket, you’re likely asking the same question every other person in burnt orange is asking: whos texas playing today?
Honestly, the energy in Austin right now is a bit different. We aren't in that summer lull anymore. It is Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and the winter sports slate is officially in high gear. While football season is the undisputed king around here—and the 2026 schedule already has fans circling the LSU game in Baton Rouge—the current focus is squarely on the hardwood and the water.
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The Big Matchup: Men’s Basketball vs. No. 10 Vanderbilt
Tonight is a massive one at the Moody Center. The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team is hosting the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. CT.
Vanderbilt is coming into this game ranked No. 10 in the country, sporting a perfect 16-0 record. They are the real deal this year. Texas, on the other hand, is riding high after a gritty 92-88 win over Alabama just a few days ago. If you aren't lucky enough to have one of the sold-out seats in the Moody Center, you can catch the game on ESPN2.
Why this game matters more than usual
Since the move to the SEC, every home game feels like a heavyweight fight. Vanderbilt isn't just "the smart school" anymore; they are a basketball powerhouse this season. Texas needs this win to prove that the victory in Tuscaloosa wasn't a fluke.
Keep an eye on the backcourt. The speed of the Longhorns' guards against Vanderbilt’s disciplined zone is basically going to be the whole story of the night.
It's Not Just Basketball Today
While the hoops game is the headliner, there’s actually quite a bit happening across the Texas athletics landscape today. If you're a true "all-sports" fan, your calendar is actually packed.
- Men’s Tennis: The Longhorns are facing UIW (University of the Incarnate Word) at the Texas Tennis Center. That one starts at 3:00 p.m. CT. It’s a great chance to see some elite tennis for free if you’re near campus.
- Swimming & Diving: Both the Men’s and Women’s teams are participating in the TYR Pro Swim Series right here in Austin. It’s taking place at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center all day. This is where you see Olympic-level talent in the water.
Looking Ahead: The Schedule is Heating Up
Knowing whos texas playing today is just the start. The rest of this week is a gauntlet. Tomorrow, Thursday the 15th, the Women’s Basketball team travels to face No. 2 South Carolina. That is arguably one of the toughest road tests in all of college sports right now.
Then, on Saturday, the Moody Center turns into a pressure cooker for the "Lone Star Showdown" against Texas A&M.
Practical Tips for Fans Today
If you are heading to the Moody Center tonight, remember that parking in the East Campus Garage fills up fast. Basically, if you aren't there an hour before tip-off, you’re going to be walking a mile.
Also, for those looking for the baseball fix—I know, we all miss the Disch—the Alumni Game isn't until January 31. We’ve still got a couple of weeks before the smell of popcorn and the sound of aluminum bats return to Austin.
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Your Actionable Checklist:
- Check the Broadcasters: Double-check your cable or streaming login for ESPN2 before the 8:00 p.m. tip.
- Monitor Live Stats: If you're stuck at work, the official Texas Longhorns app is usually the fastest for live score updates, often beating the major sports apps by thirty seconds or more.
- Ticket Market: Since the game is officially sold out, keep an eye on SeatGeek. Prices for SEC matchups tend to fluctuate wildly in the two hours leading up to the game.
The Longhorns are in a pivotal stretch of the winter season. Whether you’re watching the swim heats this afternoon or screaming your lungs out at the Moody Center tonight, there’s plenty of burnt orange to go around.