Texas Tech basketball has been on a roll under head coach Grant McCasland, and the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be another must-watch campaign.
The Red Raiders are coming off three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, finished third in the Big 12 with a 12-6 conference record, and spent the entire season ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in program history . With a loaded schedule, a talented roster, and a coach who knows how to win, there’s a lot to get excited about.
Here’s everything you need to know about Texas Tech basketball this season.
Quick Answer: What’s the Deal with Texas Tech Basketball in 2026?
Texas Tech basketball is in a golden era under Coach Grant McCasland. The Red Raiders finished the 2025-26 season with a 23-11 record, a third-place Big 12 finish, and their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance .
The team set a program record by being ranked in every AP Top 25 poll all season . With a strong roster and a loaded schedule, Texas Tech basketball is a legit force in college basketball.
Breaking Down the 2025-26 Texas Tech Basketball Schedule
The Non-Conference Slate: A Mix of Tune-Ups and Tests
The Texas Tech basketball schedule kicks off with some winnable home games before things get serious. The Red Raiders opened the season on November 4 against Lindenwood, followed by Sam Houston on November 7 . The first real test came on November 11 with a road trip to face a ranked Illinois team—a rematch of last year’s four-point loss .
The non-conference schedule also features a trip to the Baha Mar Championship in the Bahamas, where Texas Tech faced Wake Forest and No. 1 Purdue . Other notable non-conference matchups include neutral-site games against LSU in Fort Worth, No. 17 Arkansas in Dallas, and No. 3 Duke at Madison Square Garden .
Key Non-Conference Takeaways:
- Early Test: The road game at Illinois was a gauge to see how this team handled a hostile environment against a Final Four-caliber opponent .
- Neutral-Site Showdowns: Games against Duke and Arkansas give the Red Raiders resume-building opportunities outside the Big 12.
- No Slacking: While there are buy games, the non-conference schedule has enough pop to prepare the team for the brutal Big 12 grind.
The Big 12 Gauntlet: It’s Always a War
The Big 12 is college basketball’s toughest conference, and the Texas Tech basketball schedule is a testament to that. The Red Raiders opened conference play on January 3, 2026, hosting Oklahoma State . They face a grueling lineup of ranked opponents, including home-and-away series with Houston, BYU, and Colorado .
The conference slate features nine home games and nine road games . Key home matchups include Kansas (Feb 2), Houston (Jan 24), and BYU (Jan 17) . Road trips are brutal—games at Houston, Arizona, Iowa State, and BYU are all tough outs .
Big 12 Schedule Highlights:
- January 3: vs. Oklahoma State (Home Opener)
- January 6: at No. 7 Houston
- January 24: vs. No. 6 Houston
- February 2: vs. No. 11 Kansas
- February 14: at No. 1 Arizona
- February 28: at No. 4 Iowa State
Postseason Push: Big 12 Tournament and NCAA Tournament
Texas Tech finished the regular season with a 22-9 record heading into the Phillips 66 Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City . The Red Raiders entered the tournament as the No. 3 seed, looking to make a run. They lost to Iowa State 75-53 in the quarterfinals but secured a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year .
The Red Raiders faced Akron in the NCAA Tournament First Round on March 20 in Tampa, Florida . With their track record, this team is built for a tournament run.
Key Takeaway: The Texas Tech basketball schedule is a marathon, not a sprint. Surviving the Big 12 grind and peaking in March is the goal.
Meet the 2025-26 Texas Tech Roster
Key Returning Players and Newcomers
The Texas Tech basketball roster features a mix of returning talent and key transfers. The Red Raiders are known for their gritty, defense-first style, and this roster fits that mold.
- JT Toppin: The forward was a Consensus All-America Second Team selection and a key contributor. He also maintained a 4.0 GPA, earning CSC Academic All-America honors .
- Christian Anderson: A guard who earned All-Big 12 First Team honors .
- Tyeree Bryan: A senior guard who transferred from Santa Clara. He averaged 10.4 points per game last season and scored a career-high 35 against Gonzaga .
- Jazz Henderson: A redshirt freshman guard from Dallas, Texas. He was a three-time state champion at Oak Cliff Faith Family and a teammate of JT Toppin .
Roster Highlights:
- Experience: The roster includes seniors like Tyeree Bryan and transfers from programs like VCU, Villanova, and New Mexico .
- Depth: The roster has 14 players, providing plenty of depth for the Big 12 grind .
- Shooting: The Red Raiders made 384 three-pointers during the 2025-26 season, setting a new program record .
The Transfer Portal Impact
Texas Tech has been active in the transfer portal, adding key pieces to bolster the roster. Tyeree Bryan is a prime example—he brings experience and shooting to the backcourt. The Red Raiders have embraced the new college basketball landscape, using the portal to fill gaps and add talent.
Key Takeaway: This Texas Tech basketball roster is built for the Big 12’s physical style. It’s deep, experienced, and filled with players who fit Coach McCasland’s system.
Coach Grant McCasland: The Architect of the Revival
A Winning Track Record
Grant McCasland is the driving force behind Texas Tech basketball’s resurgence. In just three seasons, he’s led the Red Raiders to a 74-31 record and three straight NCAA Tournament appearances . He’s the first coach in program history to reach the NCAA Tournament in each of his first three seasons .
McCasland’s coaching career is a testament to his defensive philosophy. He led North Texas to the 2023 NIT Championship and had the Mean Green leading the nation in scoring defense for two straight seasons . That defensive identity has carried over to Texas Tech.
What McCasland Brings to Lubbock
McCasland is a defensive-minded coach who emphasizes grit and toughness. His teams are known for their physicality and ability to win games even when the offense isn’t clicking. Under his leadership, Texas Tech has become a program that consistently competes for the Big 12 title and makes deep NCAA Tournament runs.
- Defensive Identity: McCasland’s teams are built on defense. At North Texas, his teams led the nation in scoring defense .
- Player Development: He has a track record of developing players, with several earning All-Big 12 honors .
- Consistency: Texas Tech has been ranked for 28 straight AP Top 25 releases, a program record .
Key Takeaway: Grant McCasland is the perfect fit for Texas Tech. He brings a defensive mentality, a winning culture, and a proven ability to build programs.
Texas Tech Basketball Stats and Rankings
2025-26 Season in Numbers
The Texas Tech basketball stats speak for themselves. The Red Raiders finished the season with:
- Record: 23-11 overall, 12-6 in Big 12 play
- AP Ranking: Ranked for all 28 weeks of the season, reaching as high as No. 10
- 3-Pointers Made: 384, a new program record
- Postseason: Third straight NCAA Tournament appearance
Key Player Stats
- JT Toppin: Consensus All-America Second Team
- Christian Anderson: All-Big 12 First Team
- Tyeree Bryan: Averaged 3.5 points per game with 22 three-pointers.
Key Takeaway: Texas Tech basketball is statistically elite. The team sets program records and competes at the highest level.
Texas Tech Basketball NCAA Tournament and March Madness Predictions
Tournament Pedigree
Texas Tech has become a March Madness mainstay. Under McCasland, the Red Raiders have made three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 2025 . The program has a history of making deep runs, and this year’s team is built for tournament success.
What to Expect
With a strong roster, a tough schedule, and a proven coach, Texas Tech basketball is a team to watch in March Madness. The Red Raiders have the experience and talent to make a deep run, and their defensive identity makes them a tough out for any opponent.
Key Takeaway: Texas Tech basketball is a serious contender in the NCAA Tournament.
Where to Watch and Live Stream Texas Tech Basketball
Texas Tech basketball games are broadcast across various platforms. Here’s how to catch the action:
- TV: Games are on ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, CBS, Fox, and TNT .
- Streaming: ESPN+, Peacock, and CBSSN also carry games .
- Radio: TTSN (Texas Tech Sports Network) broadcasts games on the radio .
Live Stream Options:
- ESPN+
- Peacock
- CBSSN
- TNT
Key Takeaway: With multiple broadcast partners, Texas Tech basketball is easy to watch. Check the Texas Tech athletics website for specific game broadcasts.
FAQs About Texas Tech Basketball
Question: What is Texas Tech’s basketball record for the 2025-26 season?
Answer: The Texas Tech Red Raiders finished the 2025-26 season with a 23-11 overall record and a 12-6 record in Big 12 play .
Question: Who is the head coach of Texas Tech basketball?
Answer: Grant McCasland is the head coach of Texas Tech basketball. He has led the program to the NCAA Tournament in each of his first three seasons and has a 74-31 overall record at Tech .
Question: Where can I find the Texas Tech basketball schedule?
Answer: The complete Texas Tech basketball schedule is available on the official Texas Tech Athletics website and on platforms like Sports Illustrated. The schedule includes non-conference games, Big 12 matchups, and postseason tournaments .
Question: Has Texas Tech basketball ever been ranked #1?
Answer: Texas Tech reached a program-record ranking of No. 10 in the AP Top 25 during the 2025-26 season . While they have not yet reached #1, they have been ranked for a record 28 straight weeks .
Question: What is the Texas Tech basketball recruiting class like?
Answer: Texas Tech has a strong recruiting class featuring players like Jazz Henderson, a three-time state champion from Dallas, and has been active in the transfer portal with additions like Tyree Bryan from Santa Clara .
The Bottom Line
Texas Tech basketball is a program on the rise. Under Grant McCasland, the Red Raiders have become a consistent winner in the Big 12, earned three straight NCAA Tournament bids, and set program records for rankings and three-pointers made. With a tough schedule, a talented roster, and a coach who knows how to win, Texas Tech is a team to watch in March Madness.
References
- Texas Tech Red Raiders Athletics. (2025-26). Men’s Basketball Schedule.
- Texas Tech Red Raiders Athletics. (2025-26). Men’s Basketball Roster.
- Texas Tech Red Raiders Athletics. (2026). Six Red Raiders earn Big 12 Academic honors.
- Texas Tech Red Raiders Athletics. Grant McCasland – Men’s Basketball Coach.
- Sports Illustrated. (2026, July 15).
What’s your take on Texas Tech basketball this season? Drop a comment below and let us know your predictions for March Madness! Don’t forget to share this guide with fellow Red Raider fans.
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