The Texas Tech Red Raiders enter the 2026 college football season riding the momentum of a 12‑1 record from a year ago, a campaign that culminated in a Big 12 Championship and a No. 12 ranking in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
At the heart of that success is a defense that has drawn praise for its playmaking ability, anchored by cornerback Brice Pollock and defensive tackle A.J. Holmes Jr., whose contributions have helped the unit rank among the nation’s best.
Defensive firepower and rivalry drama set the tone
Coach Joey McGuire will guide the squad through a slate that blends home comforts at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock with challenging road trips, including a showdown at Oregon State and a potential clash with Baylor.
The schedule features seven home games, highlighted by the traditional in‑state rivalry with TCU on Thanksgiving Day, while the cheapest tickets for the season start at $36 for the September 12 contest against Oregon State, and the most premium seats open at $147 for the September 26 matchup against Sam Houston.
The season opens on September 5 with a home game against Abilene Christian, kicking off at 7 p.m. ET, and the Red Raiders will also host a highly anticipated contest against Houston on September 18, a series in which they have won 12 of the last 13 meetings.
Beyond the numbers, the upcoming schedule promises a blend of fierce competition and fan‑filled excitement, positioning Texas Tech as a must‑watch team for college football enthusiasts across the country.