Joey McGuire pushed back on Steve Sarkisian’s schedule remarks at the Big 12 spring meetings, saying Texas Tech would love to play Texas in Week 1 and could explore ways to make it happen.
Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire responded directly to Steve Sarkisian’s recent schedule comments, saying the Red Raiders would welcome a chance to play Texas in Week 1.
McGuire made the comments on May 28 at the Big 12 spring meetings in Frisco, following Sarkisian’s remarks in Houston the previous week that drew attention around the Red Raiders and Longhorns.
McGuire’s response
McGuire said Texas Tech would “love to play the University of Texas” in the opener and indicated the school could look at ways to make that happen.
According to the reporting, that could include buying out Texas Tech’s current nonconference opener or considering a neutral-site matchup at AT&T Stadium.
The exchange comes after Sarkisian’s comments about strength of schedule set off a broader discussion around how Texas and Texas Tech are viewed nationally and within the Big 12.
What happens next
There is no sign yet that either school has formally moved to alter the 2026 schedule, but McGuire’s remarks turned Sarkisian’s criticism into a public challenge.
For now, the story remains a live one to watch, with the possibility of further reaction from either athletic department or from the Big 12.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.