The No. 12 Texas Tech Red Raiders welcome the Abilene Christian Wildcats for their Week 1 college football matchup, broadcast on FS1.
Texas Tech enters the season following a transformative offseason.
After capturing a school-record 12 victories and winning the Big 12 title en route to the College Football Playoff—a first in program history—before losing to Oregon in the Orange Bowl, Texas Tech acquired transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby. However, the NCAA deemed Sorsby ineligible due to sports wagering violations, prompting him to exit the program.
Will Hammond will now lead the offense. In 2025, Hammond started two of nine games, completing 63.3% of his passes for 680 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions, while adding 299 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
The Red Raiders return a potent backfield featuring Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams, arguably the Big 12’s top running-back pairing. Defensive losses include captain Jacob Rodriguez, the top two pass rushers—among them No. 3 overall selection David Bailey—and the unit’s top two cornerbacks.
Abilene Christian finished 9-5 in FCS play last season and began 2026 with a 21-14 road defeat to Lamar.
Below are the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook as of September 5.
Abilene Christian @ No. 12 Texas Tech Odds
Spread
- Texas Tech -42.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
- Abilene Christian +42.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Over/Under
- Over 58.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
- Under 58.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Abilene Christian @ No. 12 Texas Tech Prediction, Pick
From FOX Sports Research:
Texas Tech dominated two subpar foes as heavy favorites in Weeks 1 and 2 last season, defeating Arkansas-Pine Bluff 67-7 and Kent State 64-14. The Red Raiders ranked third nationally and first in the Big 12 in scoring at 42.5 points per game. The addition of veteran Tommy Castellanos last week could further boost the Over; Hammond seeks to solidify his starting role, while Castellanos gets a chance to impress against FCS competition. Texas Tech’s offensive firepower makes it capable of covering the total on its own, and anemic defensive rebuilds may invite additional points. Take the Over.
The Pick: Over 58.5
How to Watch Texas Tech vs. Abilene Christian
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 5. 2026
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
- TV: FS1
- Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
- Location: Galaxy Stadium, Lubbock, TX
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