5 Things to Watch as Texas Tech Red Raiders Begin Big 12 Title Defense

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LUBBOCK, Texas — No. 12 Texas Tech has taken pride in being among the "villains" of modern college athletics.

With the nation watching – many of them having just binged the Paramount+ series documenting the Red Raiders' controversial summer – coach Joey McGuire and his program welcome fans into a new era.

Saturday night's matchup with Abilene Christian isn't just the first game at the newly named Galaxy Stadium, but its also Tech's first season defending a Big 12 championship.

How to Watch: Red Raiders Host Abilene Christian Motivated As Ever

The Red Raiders are widely considered the favorites in the conference again in 2026. McGuire believes hoisting the trophy again in Arlington is the floor for what this team is capable of.

And it all begins with the first 2026 kickoff in Lubbock.

Here are some of my key points in this one between the Red Raiders and the Wildcats.

Will defense assert itself early?

The Texas Tech defense was dominant in 2025, but many of those starters are now prepping for an NFL season, such as No. 2 overall draft pick David Bailey and Lombardi Award winner Jacob Rodriguez.

But, yet again, McGuire hit the portal. He's also leaning on key defensive returners such as AJ Holmes Jr. and Ben Roberts.

They'll look to pin their ears back early in this one and put on a show.

The Wildcats made this matchup interesting in 2024, and with several connections to Tech returning to Lubbock from the opposite sideline, ACU could look to strike early with trickery and aggression.

Tech's defense must remained poised amid their adrenaline. That shouldn't be a problem for one of the most experienced units in the country.

'Wheels' Hammond Sighting? Or Tommy Time?

Redshirt sophomore Will Hammond enters his first season as the full-time starting quarterback in the scarlet and black.

How much will McGuire cut him loose? Hammond is plenty ahead of schedule after tearing his ACL last October, but does he have the confidence to use his legs to the effect he has in the past?

If not, we know he can sling it. Florida State transfer Tommy Castellanos, who will be available Saturday, could see some snaps in designed QB running spots.

Texas Tech Announces Major Return to Galaxy Stadium ExperiencesHere's what to look forward to at home football games in Lubbock.

Debut of the 3-Headed Monster

Cam Dickey, J'Koby Williams and Quinten Joyner make up a stout running back committee this season for the Red Raiders.

McGuire has described them each as starting-caliber producers, so it'll be interesting to see how the carries and snaps are divvied up.

Dickey rushed for 1,000 yards a season ago, and Williams was less than 200 yards from that total himself. Joyner could ease into things as he makes his Tech debut after missing last season with a preseason injury.

Snaps for LaDamion Guyton?

When it comes to opportunities, we could see Texas Tech's highest-rated defensive recruit in program history make his debut in his first game.

Guyton is listed as the immediate backup to defensive end Trey White.

White is questionable to play after suffering a knee injury in practice last week, forcing McGuire to designate him as "week-to-week".

Guyton was a late arrival this summer, so until he hits the field, Red Raider Nation can get introduced to starters Adam Trick and Mateen Ibirogba, two of Tech's top veteran transfers on the defensive line.

Which Wideout Breaks Out?

Back to the skill positions, slot receiver Coy Eakin and elite tight end Terrance Carter Jr. are the pass-catchers that return with the most experience under their belt.

So, on the outside, which wide receiver separates himself as a key target for Hammond downfield?

The fan pick is likely Micah Hudson, who was one Tech's first-ever 5-star signee and is now entering his first season expecting consistent playing time.

Experienced newcomers Kenny Johnson, Donte Lee Jr., Jalen Jones and Malcolm Simmons will look to produce on this loaded offense.

Texas Tech Faces Its Newest Ring of Honor Member in Season OpenerTexas Tech icon Graham Harrell returns to Lubbock and will man the opposite sideline in the Red Raiders' season-opener.Big 12 Week 1 Predictions: Texas Tech Rolls, Baylor Faces TroubleBig 12 Week 1 brings huge spreads, new quarterbacks and early pressure games, with Texas Tech favored to cruise while Baylor faces a major Auburn test.

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