Texas Tech Red Raiders 2026 College Football Preview, Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions

By Nate Weitzer | Jul 21, 2026, 7:09pm

Coming off a Big 12 Championship season and the program’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff, the Texas Tech Raiders have high hopes for the 2026-27 season.

The status of quarterback Brendan Sorsby is the biggest storyline for Tech this offseason, as the Cincinnati transfer awaits a ruling from the NCAA regarding his eligibility. Sorsby, who is seeking treatment for a gambling addiction, should know by mid June if he can play for the Raiders this season, or should move on to his professional career.

If Sorsby is ineligible, Tech will look toward backup Will Hammond, who suffered a torn ACL last October. Regardless, the Raiders QB will be surrounded by talent on both sides of the ball and can throw to five-star receiver Micah Hudson and reliable tight end Terrance Carter Jr.

Texas Tech has one of the best linebacking corps in the country now that Trey White, Adam Trick, and Austin Romaine have transferred in. And the Raiders have an elite NFL prospect in Howard Sampson (6-8, 340) to anchor the offensive line.

2026 College Football Betting Resources

Texas Tech 2026 College Football National Championship Odds

National Title Odds:

While they handled business in the Big 12 last fall, the Raiders offense wasn’t up to snuff in the CFB Playoff. Tech committed four turnovers and fell, 23-0, to Oregon in the 4-5 matchup. Getting over the hump this year might depend on the status of Sorsby, who starred for Cincinnati the past two seasons.

The Raiders are listed around 25/1 to win the title this year, placing them in the second tier of contenders. There are five SEC teams, three Big Ten teams, ACC favorite Miami (FL), and independent power Notre Dame above Tech on most odds boards.

Since the Raiders don’t have a very strong non-conference schedule and are expected to win the Big 12 again, we might not have a great idea of their potential if they can make the CFB Playoff.

Bet: No

Texas Tech 2026 Big 12 Championship Odds

Big 12 Title Odds:

The Raiders are heavily favored to handle business in the Big 12 with consensus +110 odds at sportsbooks to win the conference championship.

The next contenders are BYU and Utah, followed by Kansas State and Houston at 10/1 or longer odds. The Cougars of BYU fell to Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship last year, but are a decent longshot to consider in a conference that has been a rollercoaster in recent seasons. BYU returns several key pieces, including All-American running back LJ Martin.

Utah has more turnover on the roster with most of the offensive line drafted by the NFL and former coach Kyle Whittingham now at Michigan. Arizona might have the league’s best QB in Noah Fifita, and TCU QB Jaden Craig is another star to watch in the Big 12.

Bet: No

Texas Tech 2026 Win Total Odds

Win Total Odds:

Since they’re expected to handle all comers in the Big 12, it makes sense that the Raiders are projected for 10.5 regular season wins with heavy juice on the over. They went 12-1 during the regular season last year and 9-1 in Big 12 play.

This year, Tech is playing weak non-conference opponents in Abilene Christian, Oregon State, and Sam Houston. They don’t play some of their biggest competitors in the Big 12, and are home for matchups against Houston, Arizona, and TCU.

Bet: Yes – Under

Texas Tech 2026 Heisman Contenders, Odds

Cameron Dickey, RB:

With the QB situation somewhat uncertain, Tech’s offense is likely to run through Cameron Dickey. The junior broke out with 1,124 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last year and could earn more touches than fellow returner J’Koby Williams.

Dickey is considered a massive longshot to win the Heisman with 225/1 odds. That is on par with Williams and another tailback in the Big 12, LJ Martin.

Bet: No

Texas Tech 2026 College Football Schedule

Sat., 9/5 – vs. Abilene Christian
Sat., 9/12 – at Oregon State
Sat., 9/19 – vs. Houston
Sat., 9/26 – vs. Sam Houston State
Sat., 10/3 – at Colorado
Sat., 10/17 – vs. Arizona State
Sat., 10/24 – at Cincinnati
Sat., 10/31 – vs. Arizona
Sat., 11/7 – vs. West Virginia
Sat., 11/14 – at Oklahoma State
Sat., 11/21 – at Baylor
Thu., 11/26 – vs. TCU

Photo Credit: AP/Julio Cortez

Nate Weitzer

Nate Weitzer has been covering sports betting and daily fantasy sports at Catena Media for nearly a decade, focusing primarily on NBA and NFL content. He is the co-host of the NBA and NFL Coast 2 Coast show on the Lineups YouTube channel, where he provides daily picks and prop bets alongside co-host Josh Lander. He also runs the NFL premium content channel at LandYourBets.com. In addition to his duties at Catena, Weitzer is a high school sports reporter for The Boston Globe and a freelance writer for other outlets, covering stories ranging from high school championships to ski mountaineering races. He graduated from Boston University’s MS in Sports Journalism program in 2012.