The Red Raiders are in pursuit of a premier non-conference opponent.
Joey McGuire knows what he's doing.
He knows that the back-and-forth with Steve Sarkisian won't lead to a 2026 meeting between Texas Tech and Texas, in what would've been not just an incredibly late shift in scheduling, but essentially a battle for state supremacy.
However, two things remain in play: McGuire very well could be involving himself in this "drama" because he knows it's good for the sport. Part of what makes college sports so successful, especially football, is the bad blood and the rivalries that define why big games are worth watching.
It's hard to deny the stranglehold Texas has had on the state when it comes to football notoriety, and in recent years, the Longhorns' rise to CFP contention is helping that cause.
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But the Red Raiders are now joining the party. McGuire's program has made it to a CFP, and is ranking neck-and-neck with the top dogs in the sport when it comes to NIL spending and recruiting through the transfer portal and high school levels.
That's where Option 2 comes in: McGuire wants Texas Tech to remain one of the Lone Star State's premium programs.
How do you accomplish that? You beat the best teams in the biggest moments.
We might not get a Longhorns. vs. Red Raiders showdown any time soon, but amid this trash-talk saga, McGuire is still trying to put his squad up against the best of the best.
CBS reports that Texas Tech is contacting "major blue-blood" schools in hopes of scheduling a premier non-conference matchup.
After all, Sarkisian's remarks threw shame at Texas Tech's weak Big 12 slate. The Red Raiders can only compete against the teams in their own conference ... but McGuire is taking matters into his own hands - while also bashing Sark for not doing the same - and trying to lock down a sure-fire RPI booster in 2027 and 2028.
Rumors indicate that USC and Notre Dame are potential candidates.
But for now, we know one thing from McGuire...
"It won’t be Texas because they’re scared."
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