If you’re checking the calendar and asking who does Texas play Saturday, you’ve likely realized we are right in the thick of a high-stakes SEC transition. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and the answer is the one every fan in the state circles in red: Texas A&M.
This isn't just another game on the schedule. It is the Cotton Holdings Lone Star Showdown. For the first time in over a decade, these two are back in the same conference, and the atmosphere in Austin is, frankly, electric. If you're looking for the football team, they're currently in the offseason after a Citrus Bowl win over Michigan to cap off 2025, but the hardwood is where the real fire is today.
Everything You Need to Know for the Texas vs. Texas A&M Matchup
The Longhorns (11-6, 2-2 SEC) are hosting the Aggies (13-4, 3-1 SEC) at the Moody Center. Tip-off is set for 5:00 PM Central Time. You can catch the broadcast on ESPN, with Roy Philpott and Jon Crispin handling the call.
Honestly, the stakes couldn't be much higher for Rodney Terry’s squad. Texas is coming off a massive week where they knocked off No. 13 Alabama and No. 10 Vanderbilt. They’ve proven they can hang with the heavyweights of the SEC, but the Aggies represent a different kind of psychological hurdle.
The history here is deep. Texas leads the all-time series 140-87. More impressively, the Longhorns have won 11 straight home games against A&M. The last time the Aggies walked out of Austin with a win was back in 2002. That’s a long time to wait for a "gig 'em" in enemy territory.
Key Players and What to Watch
Texas is leaning heavily on Jordan Pope and Dailyn Swain right now. Both have been lights-out from the perimeter. On the other side, keep your eye on Rashaun Agee. The guy is a walking double-double and has been the engine for the Aggies' 14-4 start to the season.
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The matchup in the paint will probably decide this thing. Texas has been out-rebounding opponents lately, but A&M’s physicality under Buzz Williams is legendary. It’s going to be a "first one to hit the floor for a loose ball" kind of night.
Why This Saturday Matters More Than Usual
When people ask who does Texas play Saturday, they usually just want a team name and a time. But in 2026, the context is the story. This is the first full season of the "new" SEC where the Texas-A&M rivalry is a regular, conference-sanctioned reality again.
The Moody Center only holds about 10,763 people for basketball, which makes it one of the most intimate and loud environments in the country. Tickets for this game have been hovering around the $90 mark on the secondary market for weeks.
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Recent Form and Momentum
- Texas: 2-game winning streak against Top 15 opponents.
- Texas A&M: Currently sitting near the top of the SEC standings at 3-1 in conference play.
- The X-Factor: Rylan Griffen. If he gets hot from three for the Aggies, the Longhorns' perimeter defense is going to have a long night.
Looking Ahead at the Longhorns Schedule
Regardless of today's result, the gauntlet doesn't stop. The SEC is a meat grinder this year. After the Aggies leave town, Texas has to pack their bags for a Tuesday night clash in Lexington against Kentucky.
If you're planning your week, here's what the immediate future looks like for Texas:
- Wednesday, Jan 21: at Kentucky (Rupp Arena) - 7:00 PM on SEC Network.
- Saturday, Jan 24: vs. Georgia (Moody Center) - 1:00 PM on SEC Network.
- Wednesday, Jan 28: at Auburn (Neville Arena) - 7:00 PM on ESPN2.
Basically, there are no "off" nights in this league anymore.
Final Thoughts for the Fanbase
If you’re heading to the Moody Center, get there early. The "Bevo Blvd" energy usually starts a few hours before tip, even for basketball. If you’re watching from home, make sure you’ve got the ESPN app updated—these SEC games have a habit of running long when the fouls start piling up in the second half.
To stay on top of the action, monitor the live box scores on the official Texas Longhorns website or the ESPN gamecast. If you miss the live window, the Longhorn Radio Network with Craig Way is the go-to for the best post-game analysis and coach interviews.
Check your local listings to ensure ESPN hasn't moved the game to an alternate channel due to overtime in an earlier window, as the SEC doubleheader often results in slight delays.