College Basketball Rivalries And Packed Sports Schedule Dominate Sunday

Sunday, February 1, 2026, is turning out to be a feast for sports fans, with a packed schedule across the television dial and streaming platforms. From early morning basketball tip-offs to late-night hockey showdowns, the day promises wall-to-wall action for anyone eager to tune in. But perhaps the most anticipated showdowns are taking place in college basketball, where both men’s and women’s teams are set to light up the courts in games with major rankings and rivalry implications.

Let’s start with the women’s college basketball rivalry that has fans buzzing nationwide. The No. 1 UConn Huskies host the No. 15 Tennessee Volunteers at noon Eastern Time at Hartford’s PeoplesBank Arena—a matchup broadcast nationally on Fox and streamed via DIRECTV. This clash is more than just a battle of rankings; it’s a renewal of one of the sport’s most storied rivalries. Last season, Tennessee stunned UConn 80-76 in Knoxville, and the Huskies are surely eager for payback on their home floor. Tennessee’s Talaysia Cooper is expected to be a difference-maker, while UConn is counting on the dynamic duo of Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong to maintain their perfect season. For those preferring to listen in, SiriusXM has the broadcasts covered on channels 84 (UConn) and 190 (Tennessee).

Meanwhile, in men’s college basketball, the Alabama Crimson Tide are in Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators in a top-25 SEC showdown at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Tip-off is set for noon Central Time (that’s 1 p.m. Eastern), with national coverage on ABC and streaming options via ESPN+ and Fubo. Alabama, ranked No. 23 in both the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and AP Top 25, brings a 14-6 record (4-3 in conference) into hostile territory. The Gators, sitting at No. 19 in the AP poll and No. 21 in the Coaches Poll, boast a 15-6 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the SEC. Both teams are riding high after lopsided wins: Alabama crushed Missouri 90-64, led by Latrell Wrightsell’s 21-point barrage—all from beyond the arc—while Florida demolished South Carolina 95-48, with Thomas Haugh scoring 18 and Rueben Chinyelu posting a double-double. The all-time series leans in Alabama’s favor at 79-74, though Florida has won the last four meetings. Oddsmakers give Florida a 7.5-point edge, but with so much at stake, this one could go down to the wire.

Women’s college basketball is front and center all day, with other marquee matchups including Ball State at Kent State (CBSSN), Michigan at Michigan State (FS1), and Baylor at West Virginia (ESPN) all tipping off in the morning hours. Later, fans can catch Oklahoma at Texas (ABC), Iowa at UCLA (Fox), and Notre Dame at Stanford (KUCW), among others. The schedule is a testament to the growing profile and excitement surrounding women’s hoops, with national networks dedicating prime slots to these pivotal contests.

On the men’s side, the action is just as relentless. Purdue visits Maryland on CBS, Chattanooga faces Furman on ESPN2, and TCU takes on Colorado on TNT—all before lunch. The NBA isn’t taking a back seat either, with the Bucks visiting the Celtics for a 1:30 p.m. Eastern clash on ESPN, followed by the Jazz taking on the Raptors (radio and streaming), Lakers at Knicks (NBC), and Thunder at Nuggets (NBC) as the day rolls on.

Baseball fans aren’t left out of the mix, with the Caribbean Series airing on MLBN at both noon and 6:30 p.m. Golf enthusiasts can catch the Bahrain Championship on GOLF at 1:30 a.m., the Farmers Insurance Open at 11 a.m., and the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at noon on NBC. The motor sports world checks in with the Cook Out Clash on Fox at 6 p.m., while the NHL offers up Bruins vs. Lightning (ESPN, 4:30 p.m.) and Golden Knights vs. Ducks (ESPN, 7:30 p.m.). Tennis aficionados can tune into the Australian Open on ESPN in the early hours.

For those tracking the NFL, it’s important to note that there are no league games today—no matter how many fans are searching for Super Bowl 60 on their TV guides. The big game between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots is set for Sunday, February 8, 2026, in San Francisco, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC. The Pro Bowl, now a flag football event, will take place Tuesday, February 3, at 8 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. As the last NFL contest before a lengthy offseason, Super Bowl 60 will be a must-watch, with the Seahawks currently favored by 4.5 points according to FanDuel. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, when asked about his team’s underdog status, told WEEI, “It doesn’t matter. We’re in the Super Bowl. Like, we can pump this thing up for 10 days. I mean, we’re all compensated very well for what we do, so I don’t think there’s any disrespect from this building, or my appreciation for our football team. It doesn’t bother me.” Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, fresh off a 346-yard, three-touchdown, no-interception performance in the NFC Championship, will look to keep his hot streak alive in the biggest game of his career.

Looking ahead, the NFL has yet to announce the full 2026 schedule, but if past years are any indication, preseason action should kick off in late July or early August. The anticipation is already building for what promises to be another dramatic season, but for now, fans will have to make do with the Pro Bowl and a week’s worth of speculation before the Super Bowl takes center stage.

For those who prefer radio or streaming, nearly every major contest today is available via SiriusXM, team-specific stations, or digital platforms like ESPN+, Fubo, Peacock, and Jazz+. From college basketball to NBA, NHL, and more, it’s never been easier to follow your favorite teams wherever you are.

As the day unfolds, the only real question is: which game will you watch first? With so many high-stakes matchups and star athletes in action, Sunday, February 1, 2026, is shaping up to be a sports fan’s dream. Whether you’re glued to the TV, tuning in on the radio, or catching highlights on your phone, there’s no shortage of drama, skill, and excitement on offer. Grab your snacks, settle in, and let the games begin!