Texas Tech recently discovered its second game time for the 2026 season, as the Thanksgiving matchup between the Red Raiders and TCU is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on ESPN. This timing and broadcast channel were revealed on Tuesday during Disney’s annual presentation of its upcoming programming in New York City.
The game between Texas Tech and TCU will be the sole college football game played on Thanksgiving Day, providing the Red Raiders with another significant national television opportunity for their regular-season conclusion. FOX had previously announced last week that the Big 12 Conference opener on September 18 against Houston would also begin at 7 p.m. CT at Jones AT&T Stadium, reaching a nationwide Friday night viewership.
TCU will be the first Thanksgiving Day opponent to visit Jones AT&T Stadium since Arkansas narrowly defeated the Red Raiders 17-14 to end the 1977 regular season. However, the Red Raiders are familiar with Thanksgiving night games, having previously defeated in-state rival Texas in Austin in 2015. That victory was secured by 372 passing yards from Patrick Mahomes II, 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns from DeAndre Washington, and a decisive late trick play from Jakeem Grant.
The Red Raiders will aim to reclaim the Saddle Trophy in what will be the 68th encounter in the history of the series. Texas Tech currently leads the series with a record of 33 wins, 31 losses, and 3 ties, which includes a perfect 3-0 record in Thursday night games against TCU since they joined the Big 12 in 2012.
This contest for the Saddle Trophy may carry implications for the Big 12 Championship, as the Red Raiders will be looking to return to AT&T Stadium in Arlington for the second season in a row. ESPN’s announcement on Tuesday also revealed the start time and broadcast channel for the Big 12 Championship on December 4, which is set for 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
Further game times and broadcast details for Texas Tech’s initial two non-conference opponents—Abilene Christian on September 5 and Oregon State on September 12—are expected to be revealed later this month.
Texas Tech had stated earlier on Monday that it has completely sold its entire supply of football season tickets for the fourth season in a row. Members of the Red Raider Club will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase single-game tickets for all seven home games starting Wednesday, before tickets become available to the general public next Monday, May 18.
