So, you're looking for the UCF vs Colorado game time, huh? Honestly, it's about time these two got back on the court. There's something about the Big 12 schedule this year that just feels relentless, and this matchup in Orlando is no exception.
The UCF Knights are hosting the Colorado Buffaloes this Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you're trying to plan your afternoon around it—maybe grab some wings or just park yourself on the couch—the tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. ET.
Where to Watch the Knights and Buffs
If you aren't heading over to the Addition Financial Arena in person, you'll basically be glued to a screen. The game is streaming on ESPN+. It’s one of those deals where you really need that subscription active because it’s not hitting the big cable channels this time around.
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For the folks out in Boulder or traveling from the Mountain Time Zone, remember that the time difference is a thing. That 2:00 p.m. start in Florida means a 12:00 p.m. MT start for you. Just in time for a late breakfast or an early lunch.
The Current Vibe: Why This Game Matters
Look, I’ll be real with you. Both teams are sort of grinding through a tough stretch right now. UCF is sitting at 9-8 and they’ve actually dropped three straight at home. That hurts. There is nothing worse than losing in your own building, especially when the fans are showing up.
Colorado is coming in with a slightly better record at 12-6. They’ve got some momentum, too. They just beat a ranked Iowa State team 68-62, and Desiree Wooten was absolutely on fire with 24 points.
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- UCF’s Key Player: Keep an eye on Leah Harmon. She’s been the engine for the Knights, dropping 29 points in their recent loss to Cincinnati.
- Colorado’s Edge: The Buffaloes have a +9.2 scoring differential. They’re basically outscoring people by nearly ten points a game, while UCF is closer to five.
- The History: Colorado is actually undefeated against UCF all-time. They won the last meeting back in January 2025, 81-62.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Matchup
A lot of people look at the records and think Colorado is just going to walk in and take it. But UCF's defense is actually pretty decent, allowing only about 61 points per game. If Harmon gets hot and the Knights can actually protect the rim, this could be way closer than the "experts" think.
Also, don't confuse this with the football side of things. I know, everyone’s still talking about Deion Sanders and the football schedule for next fall. For those wondering, the UCF vs Colorado football game is tentatively slated for September 5, 2026, but right now, all the heat is on the hardwood.
Actionable Tips for the Game
- Check your ESPN+ login now. There is nothing more annoying than trying to reset a password five minutes after the game starts.
- Watch the fourth quarter. Colorado has been an "explosive" fourth-quarter team lately. Even if they're down early, they have a habit of closing gaps fast.
- Follow the live stats. If you can't stream it, sites like Sofascore or the official Big 12 app are usually pretty snappy with the play-by-play updates.
The Knights really need this one to stop the bleeding at home. Colorado wants to prove that the upset over Iowa State wasn't just a fluke. It’s going to be a battle of wills in Orlando.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the official UCF Knights and Colorado Buffaloes social media accounts about an hour before the 2:00 p.m. start. They usually post the confirmed starting lineups and any last-minute injury updates that could shift the betting lines or your expectations for the afternoon.