Texas Longhorns Reveal 2026 Schedule, Lock In Kickoff Times

Texas Longhorns have locked in their 2026 kickoff times, with the season opening against Texas State on Sept. 5 at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN, setting the tone for a schedule packed with high‑profile SEC and non‑conference games.

When does the Texas Longhorns season start?

The Longhorns kick off the year at home versus the Texas State Bobcats on Sept. 5, 2026, with a 2:30 p.m. start on ESPN. It’s the first test for head coach Steve Sarkisian’s revamped offense and a chance for quarterback Quinn Ewers to showcase his senior‑year growth. The early‑afternoon slot gives fans a weekend morning ritual before the afternoon’s marquee matchups.

Which games have the SEC confirmed?

The SEC announced that Texas will travel to Knoxville to face Tennessee at 11 a.m. on Sept. 26, a rare morning start that could affect the Longhorns’ defensive rhythm. The Red River Rivalry returns to Dallas on Oct. 10, with Texas meeting Oklahoma at 2:30 p.m., televised on ABC or ESPN. Later, the Longhorns host Arkansas on Nov. 21 in the afternoon, while a Halloween showdown against Mississippi State is slated for an evening slot.

What about the flexible and undecided start times?

The conference labeled the Ole Miss and LSU contests as “flex” games, meaning they could shift to either afternoon or prime‑time depending on national scheduling needs. Florida (Oct. 17) and Missouri (Nov. 7) are slated for early windows, but exact times remain TBD. Those uncertainties keep the Longhorns’ fans guessing and could influence bowl eligibility calculations later in the season.

How does the non‑conference slate shape the year?

Outside the SEC, Texas hosts Ohio State on Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. on ABC, a prime‑time clash that pits two powerhouse programs against each other. The Longhorns also travel to Texas A&M for the season finale on Nov. 27, a 6:30 p.m. showdown on ABC that could decide the Lone Star rivalry’s bragging rights. Early‑season games against Texas State, Ohio State, and UTSA provide a blend of winnable contests and marquee tests.

What does this schedule mean for Texas Longhorns fans?

Knowing exact kickoff times lets supporters plan travel, watch parties, and fantasy lineups well in advance. The early‑morning start at Tennessee could be a test of the Longhorns’ preparation, while the flexible slots give the SEC leeway to maximize TV revenue. For now, the Longhorns can focus on the first game against Texas State, a 2:30 p.m. kickoff that promises a solid start to the 2026 campaign.