No. 13 Texas Tech improved to 3-0 and opened Big 12 play 1-0 by holding off No. 22 Houston, 28-26. The Cougars had a late possession near the goal line, but quarterback Conner Weigman and Houston were unable to score.
Houston built a 10-0 lead before Texas Tech rallied. The Red Raiders' defense improved after halftime despite several extended Houston drives. Texas Tech recorded four sacks, with Adam Trick getting two, Trey White recording one in his debut and returning All-American A.J. Holmes Jr. adding another.
White transferred from San Diego State and returned from a knee injury. Coach Joey McGuire said White was not fully healthy and may have played more snaps than expected. Defensive back Brenden Jordan also returned after missing the first two games because of an internal rules violation. McGuire said both players made major contributions as Texas Tech replaces defensive starters who moved to the NFL.
Asked whether the defense could match the 2025 unit, McGuire said, "Give me two more games." He said White needs to become fully healthy, Jordan needs to continue playing and the team is "still finding ourselves." Texas Tech will play Sam Houston in its final nonconference game next week, with an additional recovery day following the Friday-night game against Houston.
The report was published Sept. 20, 2026, by sports.yahoo.com.
