The USC Trojans will open the 2026‑27 campaign on a neutral floor in Fort Worth, Texas, when they meet the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Dickies Arena on Dec. 13, 2026. The non‑conference showdown is part of a carefully crafted schedule designed to test the Trojans before they chase a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
A Test for a Revamped Roster
The meeting marks only the second time the two programs have faced off, the last encounter dating back to 2018 when Texas Tech emerged victorious. That history adds a layer of intrigue, especially as the Trojans look to avenge the earlier loss and prove that their recent surge is more than a flash in the pan.
Coach Eric Musselman, now in his third year at the helm, has built his reputation on fast‑paced, defensive intensity. Under his guidance the team went undefeated in non‑conference play last season and captured the Maui Invitational, setting high expectations for a deeper March run.
The roster will be anchored by returning star guards Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas, who are slated to lead a backcourt that also welcomes key transfers KJ Lewis, Eric Reibe and Jalen Cox. Their presence adds depth and experience to a squad that finished the previous season with an 18‑14 record but fell short of its own lofty goals.
Adding to the excitement, the Trojans’ 2025 recruiting class brings three McDonald’s All‑Americans — Christian Collins, Adonis Ratliff and Darius Ratliff — who are expected to contribute immediately and help sustain the program’s upward trajectory.
Texas Tech arrives in Fort Worth with its own pedigree. The Red Raiders have been a staple of the Big 12’s elite, reaching the national championship game in 2019 and posting a 23‑11 record last season with a 12‑6 mark in conference play. Their reputation as a tough, disciplined opponent makes the upcoming clash a genuine test for USC’s revamped lineup.
For both programs, the game serves as a barometer. A win could cement the Trojans’ résumé and improve their seeding for the NCAA Tournament, while a loss would underscore the challenges that remain before they can compete with the nation’s top teams.