It’s No. 1 Texas Longhorns versus No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium on September 26, 2026. Here’s how to watch live on TV.
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN
- TV Channels: ABC
How to Watch Texas Longhorns vs. Tennessee Volunteers on September 26, 2026
You can watch the Tennessee Volunteers take on the Texas Longhorns live on DIRECTV on ABC on September 26, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET.
No. 1 Texas Longhorns (3-0) at No. 14 Tennessee Volunteers (3-0) — Game Preview
No. 1 Texas brings a 3-0 record into Neyland Stadium to face No. 14 Tennessee, which is also 3-0 and puts its unbeaten start on the line in front of the home crowd in Knoxville. This top-15 SEC meeting carries real weight in the league race, and the winner leaves with a résumé win the playoff committee will remember in December. Arch Manning has completed 59 of 96 passes for 661 yards with 7 touchdowns and 2 interceptions for the Longhorns, while Faizon Brandon counters for the Volunteers at 41 of 64 for 552 yards and 6 touchdowns.
With the two passing lines that close, the running game looks like the likely tiebreaker. DeSean Bishop leads Tennessee with 286 yards and 4 touchdowns on 43 carries, and slowing him is the first job for a Texas front that gets pressure from Colin Simmons. Texas may be without its own lead back, as Hollywood Smothers is questionable with a lower-body injury. A noon kickoff in Knoxville is the kind of setting where a top-ranked team finds out how its unbeaten record holds up on the road.
National TV
ABC
What Time is the Texas Longhorns vs. Tennessee Volunteers Game Today?
The Texas Longhorns vs. Tennessee Volunteers game starts at 12:00 PM ET.
Where Can I Watch Texas Longhorns vs. Tennessee Volunteers?
You can watch Texas Longhorns vs. Tennessee Volunteers on ABC.
Players to Watch: Texas Longhorns vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Texas Longhorns
Arch Manning — QB. Through three games Manning has thrown for 661 yards and 7 touchdowns on 59 of 96 passing, with 2 interceptions against that total. Neyland Stadium is a hostile place for any visiting quarterback, and ball security there matters as much as the big throws.
Hollywood Smothers — RB. Smothers has turned 41 carries into 198 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Longhorns. He is questionable for Saturday with a lower-body injury, and if he can’t go, Texas loses the steady ground game it needs to quiet the crowd and keep Tennessee’s offense on the sideline.
Colin Simmons — EDGE. With 2 sacks already this season, Simmons is the pass rusher Tennessee has to account for on every dropback. Getting him home against Brandon could flip a close game.
Tennessee Volunteers
Faizon Brandon — QB. Efficient through the first three weeks, Brandon has completed 41 of 64 passes for 552 yards and 6 touchdowns. The freshman faces his biggest test yet Saturday against the nation’s No. 1 team.
DeSean Bishop — RB. On 43 carries, Bishop has piled up 286 yards and 4 touchdowns. If he gets loose early, Tennessee can dictate the pace at home.
Xavier Gilliam — DL. Gilliam owns 3 sacks for the Volunteers and gives the defensive front its best chance to rattle Manning. Pressure from the interior would force Texas to get the ball out quicker than it wants.
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