Texas Tech, Houston Meet in Ranked Rivalry

Texas Tech, ranked No. 13, enters its Big 12 opener against No. 22 Houston after investing heavily in its roster and trying to establish last season’s conference championship and College Football Playoff appearance as the start of a sustained rise. The Red Raiders remain the Big 12’s biggest spender, though their 2026 roster costs have fallen from last year after quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s departure, while Houston is viewed as closer to the conference’s broader spending pack. Friday’s game is Texas Tech’s first major test after wins over Abilene Christian and Oregon State, and the Red Raiders must improve a pass rush and passing attack that have been inconsistent early in the season. Houston brings a veteran quarterback in Conner Weigman, productive skill players and a strong rushing game, but its secondary has shown vulnerabilities. Texas Tech has won seven straight meetings and 12 of the past 14, although Houston has historically performed well against the Red Raiders when ranked and leads the all-time series 18-17-1.