The Red Raiders begin Year 3 under head coach Joey McGuire with a home game against FCS opponent Abilene Christian. Texas Tech was 7-6 with a win in the Independence Bowl in 2023. In two years under McGuire, the program is 15-11 with a 10-8 mark in the Big 12. 

McGuire is the first Texas Tech head coach since Steve Sloan (1975-76) to post a winning conference record in each of his first two seasons. Next up for McGuire & Co. is to compete for a conference championship, which was last completed by Sloan in 1976. 

First up, however, is the public’s first look at a newly renovated Jones AT&T Stadium in the 6:30 p.m. contest against ACU. The game can be found on ESPN+.

The Red Raiders are heavy favorites as they return running back Tahj Brooks and a strong linebacker corps to combine with talent from the transfer portal. Year 3 is also when recruiting wins from 2022 should start paying off, especially on the defensive side of the ball. 

Behren Morton is the clear starter at quarterback and is reportedly healthy entering the season after dealing with a nagging shoulder injury throughout the offseason. The wide receiver room is much improved with Caleb Douglas (Florida) and Josh Kelly (Washington State) joining a position group that was also bolstered by five-star Micah Hudson, who is the highest-rated recruit in Red Raider football history. 

Defensively, Jacob Rodriguez and Ben Roberts lead the second level alongside backups such as Bryce Ramirez and John Curry. The defensive line must replace stalwarts in Tony Bradford and Jaylon Hutchings in the middle. Guys like Quincy Ledet Jr. and E’Maurion Banks are set to fill the void. 

The biggest concern offensively for Texas Tech is the offensive line. Two transfers – Vinny Sciury and Davion Carter – could start at guard. Sheridan Wilson (center) and Sterling Porcher (left tackle) are returners, as is Caleb Rogers, who can play all five offensive line positions. He’s likely to start at right tackle. The secondary and pass rush are question marks for the defense, but the staff believes development behind the scenes pays off in 2024. 

ACU shouldn’t offer too much resistance in the Week 1 clash. The Wildcats were 5-6 in a disappointing 2023 campaign. Head coach Keith Patterson, who was a defensive coordinator at Tech in his career, knows the ACU fan base expects much more than that. Both coordinators were replaced in the offseason. Quarterback Maverick McIvor, who began his career at Tech, returns to lead the offense after passing for 17 touchdowns.    

Traveling in for the game? Visit Lubbock has you covered for Things to Do, Can’t Miss Experiences and Where to Stay!