If you’re staring at your calendar on this Sunday, January 18, 2026, wondering if it's time to chomp, the short answer is yes. But it’s probably not the team you’re thinking of if you only follow football. Today, all eyes in Gainesville are on the hardwood at the O’Dome.
The Florida Gators women’s basketball team is hosting the Missouri Tigers today at 2 p.m. ET. It's a massive SEC showdown happening right in the middle of a cold January stretch. Honestly, if you've been following the season, you know this game is more than just another notch on the schedule.
The Matchup: Florida vs. Missouri (January 18, 2026)
The Gators are currently sitting at 12-8 and, quite frankly, they’re in a bit of a rut. They’ve dropped five straight. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team with this much talent. Missouri comes into the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center with a 13-7 record, so they aren't exactly world-beaters, but they’re dangerous.
💡 You might also like: Why the Nike Stefan Janoski Still Matters in a World of Chunky Tech Shoes
Liv McGill has been the absolute engine for Florida lately. She’s averaging over 23 points a game. That’s elite. If Florida wants to snap this losing streak today, they need her to be the best player on the floor. Period. They also have Me’Arah O’Neal—yes, that O’Neal—holding down the paint with over seven rebounds and nearly two blocks per game.
How to Watch the Gators Today
If you aren't heading down to the O'Connell Center in person, you’ve got a couple of ways to catch the action.
- TV/Streaming: The game is being broadcast on SEC Network+.
- Live Stream: You can access the feed through the ESPN app or via Fubo if you have the right sports package.
- Radio: As always, the Gators Sports Network from LEARFIELD will have the call for those who prefer the old-school radio vibe while doing chores or driving.
What About Men's Basketball?
A lot of people asking "does Florida Gators play today" are usually looking for Todd Golden’s squad. They actually played yesterday.
The men’s team is coming off a massive high after a road win against #10 Vanderbilt. That’s a huge "resume-builder" for March. Xaivian Lee hit an insane step-back three that basically silenced the crowd in Nashville. They don't play today, though. Their next game is Tuesday, January 20, at home against LSU.
It’s a bit of a weird schedule quirk, but that's SEC life. You get the big win on Saturday and then you spend Sunday watching film while the women’s team takes over the home court.
Other Gator Sports in Action Right Now
We are officially in that "overlap" season where everything is happening at once. While basketball is the main event today, there’s a lot moving behind the scenes in Gainesville.
👉 See also: Where to Watch CBS Sports Golazo Network: The Best Free and Paid Options
Gymnastics is on a Tear
The gymnastics team just had a huge meet against #4 Alabama on Friday night. They are ranked #1 in the country right now. If you missed it, you missed Selena Harris-Miranda absolutely torching the floor routine. They don't compete today, as they are preparing for a road trip to Auburn on January 23.
Preseason Baseball Vibes
Spring practice is officially underway at Condron Family Ballpark. We are less than a month away from opening day. The 2026 baseball schedule is out, and the Gators start things off against UAB on February 13. If you’re a season ticket holder, you’ve probably already seen the emails about seat selections.
Swim and Dive
The #5 ranked men’s and #8 ranked women’s swim teams are currently dealing with a heavy dual-meet schedule. They were just up in Auburn recently. It's one of those sports that doesn't get the "Game Day" hype of football, but these athletes are arguably the most dominant on campus right now.
Why This Game Matters for the Women’s Team
Look, let’s be real. A five-game losing streak in the SEC is a death sentence for tournament hopes if you don't stop the bleeding fast. Today’s game against Missouri is "the" turning point. Missouri has Grace Slaughter, who is putting up nearly 19 points a game, and she’s a nightmare to guard on the perimeter.
Florida has the home-court advantage. The O’Dome can get loud, even for afternoon games. The "We Back Pat" theme today also adds a layer of emotional weight to the game. It’s part of the week-long initiative to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s in honor of the late Pat Summitt.
✨ Don't miss: Michael Robinson Penn State: The QB Who Saved a Dynasty (and What People Forget)
Actionable Steps for Gator Fans
If you're planning to follow the Gators today or this week, here is exactly what you need to do to stay in the loop:
- Check the SEC Network+ Access: Don't wait until 1:55 p.m. to realize your ESPN login is expired. Log in now and make sure you can see the "Upcoming" tile for Florida vs. Missouri.
- Grab Men's Basketball Tickets Now: The LSU game on Tuesday and the Auburn game next Saturday (Jan 24) are expected to be sellouts. If you want to see the men’s team keep their momentum, buy those tickets today before the prices spike on the secondary market.
- Download the Florida Gators App: Honestly, it’s the only way to get the real-time stats and the radio feed without a bunch of lag.
- Watch the Replay: If you missed the men’s win over Vanderbilt yesterday, go find the highlights of Xaivian Lee. It’s the kind of play that’ll be in the season-ending montage.
The Gators are definitely "playing" today, even if it's not the football team or the men's hoops squad. Supporting the women's team during a tough streak is what real fans do. See you at the O'Dome.