Sports
Texas Tech's Joey McGuire ready to see Red Raiders in action - redraiderswire.usatoday.com
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire opens the 2026 season Saturday night against Abilene Christian at Galaxy Stadium, with kickoff set for 6 p.m.
McGuire comes in riding serious momentum. He led the Red Raiders to a 12-win season in 2025 and the program's first Big 12 championship in school history. That's the kind of year that resets expectations entirely, and now Lubbock is watching to see whether this team can build on it rather than coast.
The Red Raiders had a Week 0 bye, but McGuire said at his Monday press conference that the team used the time to prepare. He made clear he's eager to get his guys on the field. Abilene Christian gives Tech a manageable opener to find its footing before the Big 12 schedule arrives.
For people here, this game is the first real look at whether the 2026 squad has the depth and hunger to chase back-to-back conference titles. One Big 12 title changes the standard, and Saturday night is the first test of whether that standard stuck.
The Red Raiders have never won back-to-back Big 12 championships.
Common questions
When does Texas Tech play its first game of the 2026 season?
- Texas Tech opens the 2026 season Saturday night at 6 p.m. Central against Abilene Christian at Galaxy Stadium. The game airs on FS1, giving Lubbock fans their first look at the Red Raiders following last year's historic Big 12 championship run.
How did Texas Tech do last season under Joey McGuire?
- McGuire led the Red Raiders to a 12-win season in 2025 and the program's first Big 12 championship in school history. That breakthrough reset expectations heading into 2026, with fans eager to see if the team can build on that success rather than plateau.
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