Grant McCasland continues to shape one of the most resilient programs in college basketball, and that’s exactly what defines the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The 2025–26 version of the Red Raiders promises to bring the same defensive toughness and grit fans have come to expect. Before the grind of Big 12 play begins, Texas Tech has assembled a competitive and entertaining non-conference slate. Here’s how it all lines up for the Red Raiders this fall and early winter.
Tuesday, November 4 vs. Lindenwood
The season tips off in Lubbock against a first-time opponent in Lindenwood. It’s a great way for the Red Raiders to find their rhythm early, in front of a loud crowd at the United Supermarkets Arena. Expect a strong opening-night performance from Texas Tech.
Friday, November 7 vs. Sam Houston
An all-Texas matchup comes next. This will be the tenth all-time meeting between these two programs, with Texas Tech leading the series 7–2. Their last meeting came in 2023, when the Red Raiders cruised to a 36-point win. Despite Tech’s dominance, Sam Houston has shown they can keep things competitive.
Tuesday, November 11 at Illinois
One of the premier early-season games in college basketball. The Red Raiders head to Champaign, Illinois for their first-ever meeting with the Fighting Illini. Both programs are stocked with talent and top-25 aspirations, making this a must-watch matchup inside the State Farm Center.
Friday, November 14 vs. Milwaukee
After the road trip, Texas Tech returns home to face Milwaukee. This should be a confidence-boosting opportunity before heading out for a much-anticipated trip to the Bahamas.
Thursday, November 20 vs. Wake Forest (Bahamas)
The Red Raiders take their talents to the Bahamas, opening tournament play against Wake Forest. The two programs last met in 2011, a game the Demon Deacons won. Wake Forest also holds a 2–0 all-time edge over Tech, so this matchup offers a chance for revenge.
Friday, November 21 vs. Memphis or Purdue (Bahamas)
Regardless of opponent, this will be a major test. A matchup with Purdue could pit Tech against the nation’s preseason No. 1 team, while Memphis brings high-end athleticism and tempo. Either way, the Red Raiders will get a valuable test on neutral ground.
Wednesday, November 26 vs. New Orleans
Returning home before Thanksgiving, Texas Tech hosts New Orleans in their third all-time meeting. The last came in 1989, a Red Raider win. The Privateers took the first matchup, but Tech will be heavy favorites this time around.
Sunday, November 30 vs. Wyoming
The final November home game brings Wyoming to Lubbock. It’s another chance for Tech to fine-tune their chemistry before the toughest stretch of their non-conference slate.
Sunday, December 7 vs. LSU (Fort Worth)
After a brief early-December break, the Red Raiders head to Fort Worth for a neutral-site battle with LSU. This marks the tenth all-time meeting between the programs. Tech won the last matchup in 2023 by eight points and holds a 6–3 series advantage.
Saturday, December 13 vs. Arkansas (Dallas)
Get ready for fireworks. The Red Raiders and Arkansas Razorbacks renew one of college basketball’s most spirited rivalries at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. This will be their 81st meeting, with Tech currently holding a 41–39 series lead after knocking Arkansas out of the postseason last spring, 85–83.
Tuesday, December 16 vs. Northern Colorado
Another home tune-up comes against Northern Colorado, a game that should allow McCasland’s bench to get key minutes before one of the biggest challenges of the season.
Saturday, December 20 vs. Duke (New York City)
Few matchups carry more prestige than this one. Texas Tech takes on Duke at Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of basketball. The Blue Devils eliminated Tech from the 2022 NCAA Tournament, and the Red Raiders will look to notch their first-ever win against Duke in just the third meeting between the two programs.
Sunday, December 28 vs. Winthrop
The Red Raiders close out their non-conference schedule with a home game against Winthrop, a strong mid-major opponent that often tests power-conference programs with its disciplined play.
Final Thoughts
The 2025–26 Texas Tech non-conference schedule is balanced, challenging, and full of marquee matchups. Trips to Illinois, the Bahamas, Fort Worth, Dallas, and New York City provide both experience and exposure. Facing potential No. 1-ranked Purdue, perennial powers like Duke and Arkansas, and quality mid-majors ensures the Red Raiders will be well-tested when Big 12 play begins.
This schedule reflects a program built for competition, and Texas Tech will be battle-ready by the time conference season tips off.