Tempers are flaring in the Lone Star State after Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian took a not-so-subtle swipe at Texas Tech, and the Red Raiders aren't backing down. In a recent interview, Sarkisian boasted that his Longhorns could run through Texas Tech's schedule undefeated—even with his second- and third-string players. That comment didn't sit well in Lubbock, and the response came fast and fierce.
“There’s a team in our state that plays in another conference that has a schedule that I would argue if I played with our twos and our threes, we could go undefeated, and they’ll probably make the CFP this year,” Sarkisian said, making it clear he was talking about the Red Raiders.
Texas Tech Board of Regents chairman Cody Campbell, a mega-booster for the program, took to social media to issue a direct challenge. “Schedule us then! We’ve been talking about it for years and we are more than willing!!” Campbell wrote on X, tagging Sarkisian and Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte.
The exchange has reignited a rivalry that has simmered since Texas left the Big 12 for the SEC. While the Longhorns have moved on, Texas Tech fans and officials are eager to prove their program can hang with the big boys. The challenge comes on the heels of Sarkisian's unprovoked shot at Texas Tech's schedule, which many saw as unnecessary.
Texas Tech supporters rallied behind Campbell, accusing Texas of ducking a matchup. “They won’t. They live in hypotheticals,” one fan wrote. But detractors were quick to point out the Red Raiders' recent playoff struggles, including a lopsided loss to Oregon. “Ya’ll got clowned by Oregon. I’d sit this one out until you are competitive versus someone besides BYU,” another fan fired back.
The Red Raiders enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, fueled by NIL deals and deep-pocketed boosters like Campbell. But their first College Football Playoff appearance ended in a shutout at the hands of the Ducks, raising questions about whether they're truly ready for the national stage. Still, the program's momentum is undeniable, and a showdown with Texas could be the ultimate measuring stick.
Texas has little incentive to schedule the game. A win over Texas Tech is expected, while a loss would be a major embarrassment. But for the Red Raiders, a win would be a statement that they belong in the conversation with the sport's elite. The ball is now in Texas's court, and all eyes are on Austin to see if they'll accept the challenge.
This isn't the first time Texas Tech has been the target of high-profile jabs. Recently, Tom Brady sparked outrage with a 'glorified community college' dig at Texas Tech, showing the program has a chip on its shoulder. The Red Raiders are used to being underestimated, but with Campbell leading the charge, they're not afraid to fight back.
Whether or not the game happens, the war of words is heating up. For now, Texas Tech has drawn a line in the sand, and the Longhorns have a decision to make. Will they back up Sarkisian's talk, or let the challenge go unanswered?
