Texas Tech Key Matchups to Watch This Season
Schedule
Athletic Calendar Breakdown: Key Matchups to Watch This Season
1. Football — Texas Tech at Kansas State (Nov. 1)
Dubbed by ESPN as possibly "the most impactful teams in this year’s title race" within the Big 12, this showdown could determine who drives toward the conference crown. It’s a matchup the schedule-makers clearly marked as pivotal.
2. Football — Texas Tech at Arizona State (Oct. 18)
A rematch featuring the reigning Big 12 champion. The Red Raiders previously topped ASU 30‑22 in Lubbock—but this time, both teams will likely be firing on all cylinders.
3. Football — Farmageddon: Iowa State vs. Kansas State in Dublin (Season opener)
Though not involving Texas Tech directly, this neutral-site opener sets the tone for the season, signaling how the Big 12 race might shape up. Analysts predict a tense, physical clash with Iowa State narrowly edging K‑State 24‑21.
4. Men’s Basketball — Home-and-Home Series with Houston, BYU, Colorado
In 2025–26, TTU’s hoops team will go toe-to-toe in key home-and-away series with Big 12 contenders Houston (the reigning conference champ and national runner-up), BYU, and Colorado—matchups that’ll be essential in the league race.
5. Men’s Basketball — vs Duke at Madison Square Garden (Dec. 20)
The Red Raiders will face another marquee challenge in New York City, taking on Duke at the iconic Madison Square Garden. This high-profile non-conference game underlines TTU’s climb on the national stage.
6. Women’s Soccer — Visit to San Francisco (Aug. 23)
Ranked No. 18 entering the season, Tech travels to face San Francisco. Riding a strong start (3–0–0) and a road-clean sheet streak, the Red Raiders seek to go 4–0—and extend their dominant road form.
7. Women’s Soccer — Early-Season Favorites & Transfers
With preseason ranking and bolstered by key contributors like Sam Courtwright (former All-American) and additions from ACC powerhouses, the squad enters the season with momentum and expectations.
Why These Matchups Matter
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Title Implications: The football games versus Kansas State and Arizona State are essentially front-loaders for conference bragging rights.
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National Prestige: Hoops matchups—especially at MSG and against Houston—help elevate Tech’s profile beyond Lubbock.
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Emerging Momentum: Women’s soccer appears poised for a breakthrough season, with early tests and roster reinforcements signaling competitive depth.
Bonus: Football Season Dynamics
Texas Tech enters the season as one of the most intriguing teams in college football, thanks to an aggressive NIL strategy and top-tier transfer class. Coming in at No. 23 in preseason rankings, the Raiders could redefine expectations in the Big 12.
Additionally, some pundits caution that the team's success may be moderate—projecting an 8–4 finish rather than a breakout 10–2 run—but either way, the ceiling is high.
Snapshot Table
| Sport | Opponent/Matchup | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Football | @ Kansas State (Nov. 1) | Title-decider, season-defining clash |
| Football | @ Arizona State (Oct. 18) | Rematch vs 2024 champ under renewed stakes |
| Football (Neutral) | Iowa State vs K-State (Dublin opener) | Early statement game for the Big 12 |
| Men’s Basketball | Houston, BYU, Colorado (H/A series) | Core to Big 12 standings, conference prestige |
| Men’s Basketball | Duke @ MSG (Dec. 20) | Major stage, boosts national recognition |
| Women’s Soccer | @ San Francisco (Aug. 23) | Road form test, continuation of strong form |
| Women’s Soccer | Roster infusion & preseason ranking | Offseason gains enhancing championship hope |
