Prime‑Time Kickoff Confirmed
Texas has locked in prime‑time slots for two of its most anticipated 2026 football contests, confirming that both the home showdown with Ohio State and the road clash at Texas A&M will kick off at 6:30 p.m. and be carried by ABC.
The Buckeyes will visit Austin on September 12, while the Aggies travel to College Station on November 27, giving the Longhorns a rare evening start for each marquee matchup.
A Night‑Time Tradition Revived
Night‑time meetings have become a staple for Texas in recent seasons; the program has staged a night game in each of the past two years, and the storied Lone Star Showdown last saw a pre‑6 p.m. start back in 2007.
Last season’s Texas‑Ohio State encounter aired on FOX, a network that traditionally favors noon windows for marquee pairings, whereas ABC has a track record of reserving its flagship games for the evening hours.
Because these two contests are the only ones on the University of Texas schedule that have officially announced start times, they already stand out on the calendar, with the Austin game taking place in the state capital and the College Station trip heading to the home of the Aggies.
Analyst Danny Davis observed that the timing not only amplifies television appeal but also reinforces the cultural significance of the rivalry, especially as the Longhorns look to build momentum early in the season.