It is finally here. The game that makes every person in Austin and College Station cancel their plans. If you are looking for what time do Longhorns play today, the short answer is 5:00 PM Central Time.
This isn’t just any Saturday in January. It is the revival of one of the most bitter, historically significant rivalries in college athletics. The Texas A&M Aggies are rolling into the Moody Center, and the atmosphere is already electric.
What Time Do Longhorns Play Today? Game Details and Broadcast
The Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team is set to tip off against the Texas A&M Aggies at 5:00 PM CT on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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For the fans watching from home or at a local bar, the game is being televised nationally on ESPN. Roy Philpott is handling the play-by-play while Jon Crispin provides the color commentary. If you’re stuck in your car or just prefer the classic radio feel, Craig Way and Eddie Oran will be on the Longhorn Radio Network.
Here is the quick breakdown of the essentials:
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM Central (6:00 PM Eastern)
- Venue: Moody Center, Austin, Texas
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Live Stream: ESPN App (requires cable login)
- Radio: 104.9 FM (Austin) or SiriusXM Channel 380
Honestly, the Moody Center—which holds just under 11,000 people—is going to be a pressure cooker. It’s the first time these two have met as conference foes in the SEC, adding a whole new layer of "we really don't like you" to the mix.
The Stakes of the Lone Star Showdown
Texas (11-6, 2-2 SEC) is coming off some serious momentum. They just knocked off two Top 15 opponents back-to-back—first Alabama and then Vanderbilt. It’s the first time the Horns have done that in three years. Basically, they are peaking at the exact right moment for a rivalry game.
Texas A&M (13-4, 3-1 SEC) is no slouch, though. They’ve been playing physical, gritty basketball. One big thing to watch? The Aggies are missing Mackenzie Mgbako, who is out with a foot injury. That’s a massive hole in their rotation that Texas will undoubtedly try to exploit.
The Longhorns have historically dominated this series at home, winning 11 straight against the Aggies in Austin. But records sort of go out the window when the "Saw 'Em Off" and "Hook 'Em" chants start flying.
Other Longhorn Events Today
While basketball is the main event, it’s a busy day for UT athletics.
The men’s and women’s Swimming and Diving teams are competing in the TYR Pro Swim Series right there in Austin at the Jamail Texas Swimming Center.
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If you’re into Track and Field, the Longhorns are also out in Lubbock for the Corky Classic. It's a full day for Burnt Orange fans.
Expert Tips for the Moody Center Experience
If you’re lucky enough to have tickets, get there early. The Moody Center’s "The Dell Technologies Plaza" opens 90 minutes before tip-off.
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- Park via the East Campus Garage. It’s usually the path of least resistance, though traffic on I-35 on a Saturday afternoon is always a gamble.
- Download your tickets before you get to the gate. Cell service gets spotty when 10,000 people are trying to post to Instagram at once.
- Wear Burnt Orange. Seriously. Don't be that person in a neutral grey shirt.
The betting lines have Texas as a 4.5-point favorite. The over/under is sitting around 165.5, which suggests a high-scoring, fast-paced game.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your cable or streaming subscription now to ensure you have ESPN access before 5:00 PM.
- Set a reminder for 4:45 PM to catch the pre-game analysis and see the starting lineups.
- Head to the Moody Center by 4:00 PM if you are attending in person to navigate security and grab a drink before the national anthem.