Texas Tech is 3-0 after a 28-26 victory over No. 22 Houston in the teams’ Big 12 opener. The No. 13 Red Raiders improved to 1-0 in conference play by stopping quarterback Conner Weigman and the Cougars near the goal line on their final possession.
Houston built a 10-0 advantage before Texas Tech rallied. The Red Raiders’ defense improved after halftime despite several long Houston drives. Trey White, making his Texas Tech debut after transferring from San Diego State and recovering from a knee injury, recorded a sack. Adam Trick had two sacks, and returning All-American A.J. Holmes Jr. had another.
Defensive back Brenden Jordan also returned after missing the opening two games for an internal rules violation. Coach Joey McGuire said White and Jordan provided major help as Texas Tech replaces multiple defensive starters who moved to the NFL. McGuire said White was not fully healthy and might have played more than planned.
He said the defense is still developing and asked for two more games before comparing it with the 2025 unit.
Texas Tech will face Sam Houston next week in its last nonconference game. The team will have an extra recovery day following its Friday-night game against Houston. Sports.yahoo.com published the report Sept. 20, 2026.
