How To Watch Texas Longhorn Football Game

Do you ever feel frustrated trying to find where your Longhorns game is streaming You’re not alone. I remember missing a big game because I thought it would be on regular TV but it wasn’t. The truth is: with Texas moving conferences and changing broadcast deals, you need a sharper game plan now. In this article, I’ll walk you through legal, up‑to‑date ways to catch every Texas Longhorn football game no guesswork.

Table of Contents

What has changed

Before, many games aired on the Longhorn Network (LHN). But with Texas joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC), broadcasting rights are shifting. Some games that used to be on LHN are now going through SEC, ESPN networks, or streaming exclusives.

For example:

  • A non‑conference game vs. Sam Houston was recently not aired on traditional TV, but only streamed via SEC Network+ / ESPN+.

  • Some playoff or special matchups may include networks like TNT / TBS / truTV in addition to ESPN.

So you must know which games are going where and use the right services.

Channels & Platforms You Need to Watch

Here are the main channels or platforms that carry Texas football now (or will in 2025):

Channel / Platform Why it matters for Texas games Notes / conditions
ESPN / ABC / ESPN2 / ESPNU Many SEC and high‑profile games will air here Works via live TV bundles
SEC Network / SEC Network+ Crucial for SEC games Digital + often streams online via ESPN 
FOX / FS1 Some non‑conference and special games Depends on the deal
Longhorn Network (LHN) Still used for some exclusive content (not always live games) You can watch press conferences, behind‑the-scenes via LHN digital
Streaming Services / Live TV Bundles These combine many of the above channels Often the best way if you don’t have cable

 

Best Streaming Services

To make your life easier, here are top options and when you’d pick them:

Service What games / channels you’ll get Pros & drawbacks Best if you live outside US / abroad
Hulu + Live TV ABC, ESPN, SEC Network, more Includes ESPN+ integration, unlimited DVR, covers most Yes works in regions where available
DIRECTV STREAM ESPN, SEC, major networks All‑in‑one but a bit pricey. Use with VPN if your country is blocked
Fubo Sports focus includes SEC, ESPN, FOX etc. Good pick if you want robust sports coverage. Works in many countries (check local availability)
Sling TV ESPN, ABC; with “Sports Extra” you may get SEC / LHN More affordable choice; not always full coverage Might be limited internationally
YouTube TV Broad coverage of major sports channels Strong choice in U.S. Use with VPN if outside U.S.
ESPN+ / SEC Network+ For games not aired on main channels Useful as backup for streaming‑only games. Could be your main option if abroad
Longhorn Network (digital) Pressers, special content, maybe some live audio Doesn’t cover all games Globally available via apps / site

Tip: Many of these services offer free trials (7 days, 3 days etc.). Use them smartly around big rivalry games to save money.

How I Recommend You Set It Up

Here’s what I’d do if I were in your shoes:

  1. Check next game’s broadcast
    Visit an official Texas or SEC schedule to see which network is airing it (ESPN, FOX, SEC, etc.).

  2. Pick a base service
    For full coverage, I’d start with Hulu + Live TV (if accessible) because ESPN, SEC, ABC, etc., come in one package.

  3. Add ESPN+ / SEC Network+
    Use these for streaming‑only games that don’t hit main TV. Especially for non‑conference games that are exclusive to digital platforms.

  4. Use VPN if you’re abroad
    Many services block outside U.S. regions. Use a reliable VPN (e.g. ExpressVPN, NordVPN) and connect to a U.S. server. Legally watch through your subscription.

  5. Always test before game day
    A day before, open the apps, see if they load, check login issues. You don’t want surprises.

  6. Use DVR / recording features
    If multiple streams overlap, record in advance and watch on your schedule.

  7. Stay updated
    Broadcasting deals change I’ll update this article when things shift.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

  • Exclusive streaming games
    Sometimes a game is only on SEC Network+ or ESPN+ not on any cable TV. Don’t assume it’ll always be on regular TV.

  • Blackout restrictions
    Even if you’re in the U.S. certain games may be blacked out locally depending on your region. Always check your zip / location.

  • Geographic restrictions abroad
    Apps or services may refuse access if they detect you are outside allowed zones. VPN helps, but be sure your subscription is valid.

  • Service updates / rights changes
    Broadcast deals change every few years. What works today may not tomorrow. Always double‑check before big games.

  • Assuming Longhorn Network = live games
    LHN now mostly adds content, pressers, historic games not always live football matches.

Mini Example

Let’s say Texas plays Alabama:

  1. Schedule says it’s airing on ESPN and SEC Network for that game.

  2. You already have Hulu + Live TV so you’re covered.

  3. But you see that a certain homecoming game vs. a smaller team is listed as streaming only via SEC Network+.

  4. You use your ESPN / Hulu login to open SEC Network+ via the ESPN app.

  5. You record a backup via DVR.

  6. If you’re travelling overseas that weekend, you use your VPN to the U.S. server and access Hulu / ESPN+.

Because of that backup plan, you never miss the game.

FAQs

Q: Can I watch all Texas Longhorn games without cable
Yes with a good streaming bundle + ESPN+ / SEC Network+ combos, you can cover nearly every game legally.

Q: What about free / illegal streams
I strongly discourage them. They’re often low quality, risky (malware), and violate rights.

Q: Where is Longhorn Network now
It’s shifting away from being the main game channel. You’ll still find supplemental content, pressers, highlights via LHN digital.

Q: Do I always need a VPN if I’m outside the U.S.
Usually yes, unless the streaming service supports your region. If blocked, a VPN connecting to U.S. servers often restores access.

Q: Will all playoff / big games still air on ESPN or ABC
Many will, but some special games may be sublicensed to networks like TNT / TBS / truTV along with streaming partners.

Summary + What You Should Do Today

  • Texas football’s broadcasting setup is shifting due to their SEC move.

  • The most reliable path is a full live TV streaming service (Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DIRECTV Stream) + ESPN+ / SEC Network+ as needed.

  • Always check where a specific game will air (TV network or streaming only).

  • If you live abroad, use a VPN to access U.S. streaming rights.

  • Record or buffer games if you anticipate overlaps or delays.

Action Step: Look at the next Texas game, see which network it’s on, then subscribe (or trial) the service that covers it. Test ahead of game day.

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