Texas Tech Sets Loaded 2026 Home Game Themes

Texas Tech football is turning its 2026 home schedule into more than a list of games. The Red Raiders are building a season-long event calendar, and it starts with a Big 12 Championship celebration.

The program announced its 2026 game themes Thursday, giving fans in Lubbock a first look at the promotions, rivalry weekends and major campus moments coming to Jones AT&T Stadium.

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For a Texas Tech team under Joey McGuire that has leaned hard into energy, identity and fan engagement, this schedule has plenty of punch.

The opener against Abilene Christian will serve as the Big 12 Championship celebration, giving Texas Tech a chance to recognize one of the biggest achievements in program history before its home crowd.

Kickoff for that game is already set for 6 p.m.

The first major themed weekend arrives Sept. 26 against Sam Houston State with the annual Agriculture Game.

That promotion will spotlight Texas Tech’s connection to the South Plains through crops, livestock, technology and the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

The weekend will also include Parents Weekend and the 2026 Hall of Fame banquet, giving the Sam Houston matchup a full-campus feel.

The loudest date on the home calendar may be Oct. 17, when Arizona State comes to Lubbock for Homecoming.

It will be the first time the Sun Devils serve as Texas Tech’s Homecoming opponent, and the matchup already has the feel of one of the most anticipated weekends of the season.

Texas Tech will also bring back its Raider Power and Celebrate Energy promotion, recognizing energy partners for the third straight year.

On Oct. 31, the Red Raiders will host Arizona for the Red Raider Club Appreciation Game. That weekend will be built around thanking the donors and supporters who help drive the program’s day-to-day operation.

The Nov. 7 matchup with West Virginia will carry one of Texas Tech’s most meaningful traditions: the Celebrate America Game.

The Red Raiders will honor military members, veterans, and all branches of the armed forces throughout the game.

Then comes a rare Thanksgiving Day finish. Texas Tech will close the regular season at home against TCU on Nov. 26, with Senior Day ceremonies before kickoff. McGuire, his wife Debbie and the families of each senior will be part of the on-field recognition. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT.

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Texas Tech also has a 7 p.m. start locked in against Houston on Sept. 18. Other kickoff times and TV assignments will be announced later through the Big 12’s broadcast windows with ESPN, FOX and TNT.

From a title celebration to Homecoming to Thanksgiving against TCU, Texas Tech’s 2026 home slate has real juice.

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