Texas Tech will host Houston on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. CT on FOX, giving the Red Raiders a prime-time Big 12 opener in Lubbock.
Texas Tech football will get an early national spotlight in 2026, with the Red Raiders’ Big 12 opener against Houston set for Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. CT on FOX.
The Week 3 matchup in Lubbock is part of FOX’s Friday night college football package and could bring a ranked-on-ranked feel if early preseason buzz holds up.
The Big 12 previously moved the Houston game off Saturday as part of a broader scheduling shift tied to television windows.
Texas Tech’s regular-season finale against TCU was also moved to Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 26.
For the Red Raiders, the Houston game isn’t just another conference opener. Texas Tech has controlled the recent series, winning six straight against the Cougars and 11 of the last 12 meetings.
Last season, the Red Raiders rolled to a 49-28 road victory in Houston, adding even more juice to the rematch.
FOX’s Friday night Big 12 slate currently includes Kansas hosting Missouri in Week 2, Texas Tech hosting Houston in Week 3 and Utah hosting West Virginia in Week 13.
That puts Texas Tech in a featured early-season window with a chance to build momentum in front of a national audience.
More kickoff times and TV assignments for the first three weeks of the season are expected later this month. The rest of Texas Tech’s schedule will be filled in during the season through the standard 12-day or six-day selection process.
Ticket demand should be strong.
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Red Raider Club members begin getting access to single-game tickets May 13, with availability opening by donation level. Season ticket holders, Double T Varsity Club members, student Red Raider Club members and other qualifying groups follow later in the week.
The general public can purchase single-game tickets beginning May 18.
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