LUBBOCK- No. 12-ranked Texas Tech hosts Abilene Christian (0-1) in the Red Raiders' first game since their blowout defeat to Oregon in the College Football Playoff.
Head coach Joey McGuire said that the loss left a sour taste in his team's mouth that motivated them throughout the offseason - even as the team was at the center of various controversies since they last took the field.
Still, Tech has an opportunity to build on its historic 2025 campaign. The Red Raiders hope to defend their Big 12 championship with a schedule that appears favorable on paper, with the projected "tough" games at home and without top challengers BYU or Utah on the schedule at all.
The Wildcats are coming off a 21-14 road loss to Lamar last week as the college football season got underway nationwide.
McGuire says he's never had a team enter Week 1 as healthy as the Red Raiders currently are, but Tech could be without starting defensive end Trey White.
The San Diego State transfer pass rusher is dealing with a knee issue, potentially allowing McGuire and defensive coordinator Shiel Wood to test out the depth on a reloaded defense, which is led once again by a strong linebacker core featuring Ben Roberts, John Curry and Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine.
READ MORE: Texas Tech Starter 'Week-to-Week', Could Miss First Game
Under center for the Red Raiders is third-year quarterback Will Hammond , who returns quicker than many anticipated from last October's torn ACL that cut his 2025 season short.
He will have a plethora of new passing options to go with former 5-star recruit and returner Micah Hudson. Transfer wide receivers Kenny Johnson, Malcolm Simmons and Donte Lee Jr. are each expected to contribute, along with senior slot receiver Coy Eakin and star tight end Terrance Carter Jr.
In the backfield, Tech returns each of the top three running backs from last season's depth chart. Cam Dickey and J'Koby Williams will battle for starting snaps while former USC Trojan Quinten Joyner will make his Red Raiders debut after missing last season with a knee injury.
READ MORE: QB2? Texas Tech Designates Tommy Castellanos as Backup Option to Will Hammond
WHEN:Saturday, Sep. 5 | 6 p.m. CT
WHERE:Galaxy Stadium | Lubbock, TX
TV:FS1
RADIO:KTTU "Double T" 97.3 (Lubbock) and other Learfield affiliates
BETTING ODDS VIA DRAFTKINGS
SPREAD:Texas Tech -42.5 (-112)
TOTAL:59.5 (over -105 | under -115)
MONEYLINE:N/A
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