LUBBOCK, Texas — Two undefeated Big 12 contenders will square off under the lights Friday night when No. 22 Houston travels to West Texas to face No. 13 Texas Tech in a marquee Big 12 opener in Week 3. Both programs enter conference play at 2-0, both have national rankings, and both have realistic aspirations of competing for a Big 12 championship.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central) today, Sept. 18 at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock, Texas, with free live streaming coverage available via multiple streaming services.
How to watch Houston vs. Texas Tech today
- Who: Houston vs. Texas Tech
- When: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
- Time: 8 p.m. Eastern (7 p.m. Central)
- Where: Galaxy Stadium | Lubbock, Texas
- Channel: FOX
- Best streaming options:
- Fubo TV (free trial plus $25 off the first month)
- DIRECTV (free trial plus $35 off the first month)
- Sling TV
Houston vs. Texas Tech matchup preview
Tonight’s game represents the official start of Big 12 play for both programs and could immediately impact the conference championship race.
Texas Tech enters the contest ranked No. 13 after opening the season with victories over Abilene Christian and Oregon State. The Red Raiders are also the defending Big 12 champions and remain one of the conference favorites after reaching the College Football Playoff during the 2025 campaign. Texas Tech has won nine consecutive home games and has not allowed more than 17 points in any of those victories.
Watch Houston vs. Texas Tech for free on DIRECTV
Houston arrives in Lubbock ranked No. 22 following victories over Oregon State and Southern. The Cougars defeated Southern 77-6 in their most recent outing and have averaged 55 points per game through their first two contests. Coach Willie Fritz has helped transform Houston into a legitimate Big 12 contender after the Cougars won 10 games last season and capped the year with a Texas Bowl victory.
The game sets up a compelling strength-on-strength matchup. Houston is averaging 308 rushing yards per game, while Texas Tech’s defense has developed a reputation for shutting down opposing ground attacks and has allowed only 65 rushing yards per game through two weeks
Watch Houston vs. Texas Tech for free on Fubo
What happened the last time these teams met?
Texas Tech dominated last season’s matchup, defeating Houston 35-11 on Oct. 4, 2025.
Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton threw for 345 yards and a touchdown, while running back J’Koby Williams added two rushing scores. The victory improved the Red Raiders to 5-0 during what eventually became a landmark season that culminated in a Big 12 title and College Football Playoff appearance. Houston quarterback Conner Weigman exited that game with an injury before Texas Tech pulled away in the second half.
Texas Tech has won seven consecutive games in the series overall, though Houston still owns a narrow 18-17-1 advantage in the all-time rivalry. Friday’s meeting marks the first ranked matchup between the schools since 1989
Houston players to watch
Weigman has fueled the Cougars’ fast start. Through two games, he has thrown for 425 yards, four touchdowns and one interception while helping Houston average 55 points per contest.
The Cougars’ rushing attack is led by Makhi Hughes, who has already rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Houston ranks among the national leaders in rushing production and first downs generated on the ground.
Texas Tech Players to watch
For Texas Tech, quarterback Will Hammond has completed nearly 76% of his passes and thrown for 487 yards through two games. His efficiency has helped keep the Red Raiders among the nation’s most productive passing offenses early in the season.
Williams adds balance to Texas Tech’s offense. He has accumulated 187 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a 116-yard performance against Oregon State last week.
Who is announcing Houston vs. Texas Tech?
- Tim Brando: Play-by-play announcer
- Devin Gardner: Game analyst
- Josh Sims: Sideline reporter
What are the latest odds for Houston vs. Texas Tech?
Spread: Houston: (+7.5), Texas Tech: (-7.5)
Moneyline: Houston: +230, Texas Tech: -285
Point total: 52.5
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
