LUBBOCK, Texas — No. 12-ranked Texas Tech hosts Abilene Christian (0-1) within the Red Raiders’ first recreation since their blowout defeat to Oregon within the College Football Playoff.
Head coach Joey McGuire stated that the loss left a bitter style in his staff’s mouth that motivated them all through the offseason – even because the staff was on the heart of varied controversies since they final took the sector.
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Still, Tech has a possibility to construct on its historic 2025 marketing campaign. The Red Raiders hope to defend their Big 12 championship with a schedule that seems favorable on paper, with the projected “tough” video games at residence and with out high challengers BYU or Utah on the schedule in any respect.
The Wildcats are coming off a 21-14 road loss to Lamar final week as the faculty soccer season acquired underway nationwide.
McGuire says he is by no means had a staff enter Week 1 as wholesome because the Red Raiders at the moment are, however Tech could possibly be with out beginning defensive finish Trey White.
The San Diego State switch move rusher is coping with a knee challenge, doubtlessly permitting McGuire and defensive coordinator Shiel Wood to check out the depth on a reloaded protection, which is led as soon as once more by a robust linebacker core that includes Ben Roberts, John Curry and Kansas State switch Austin Romaine.
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READ MORE: Texas Tech Starter ‘Week-to-Week’, Could Miss First Game
Under heart for the Red Raiders is third-year quarterback Will Hammond, who returns faster than many anticipated from final October’s torn ACL that minimize his 2025 season quick.
He can have a plethora of recent passing choices to go together with former 5-star recruit and returner Micah Hudson. Transfer broad receivers Kenny Johnson, Malcolm Simmons and Donte Lee Jr. are every anticipated to contribute, together with senior slot receiver Coy Eakin and star tight finish Terrance Carter Jr.
In the backfield, Tech returns every of the highest three working backs from final season’s depth chart. Cam Dickey and J’Koby Williams will battle for beginning snaps whereas former USC Trojan Quinten Joyner will make his Red Raiders debut after lacking final season with a knee harm.
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READ MORE:QB2? Texas Tech Designates Tommy Castellanos as Backup Option to Will Hammond
Joey McGuire on ‘Deep’ Texas Tech Football Depth Chart for Week 1 vs. ACU
How to Watch – Texas Tech vs. Abilene Christian (0-1)
WHEN:Saturday, Sep. 5 | 6 p.m. CT
WHERE: Galaxy Stadium | Lubbock, TX
TV: FS1
RADIO: KTTU “Double T” 97.3 (Lubbock) and different Learfield associates
READ MORE: Patrick Mahomes Headlines 18 Red Raiders on 2026 NFL Rosters
READ MORE: What Does TCU’s Loss Mean for Texas Tech’s Big 12 Title Pursuit?
Betting odds courtesy of DraftKings
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SPREAD: Texas Tech -42.5 (-112)
TOTAL: 59.5 (over -105, below -115)
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