I don’t think Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns expected the Texas Tech Red Raiders to come out and take such a massive swing at them this offseason. After Sarkisian took a shot at the Red Raiders (or maybe some other team in the Lone Star State, but that doesn't seem likely), Joey McGuire and Cody Campbell stepped in and took a shot of their own.
McGuire, Campbell, and the Red Raiders are giving Texas an opportunity here. They’ve offered to pay for some buyouts of games and to get this whole deal settled on the field.
But I’m not sure that the Longhorns plan on accepting. I’m not sure that Texas football fans are really all that happy with Campbell, McGuire, or the Texas Tech football program right now.
Texas football fans aren’t thrilled with Texas Tech after Cody Campbell’s challenge for a season-opening matchup
Here’s what Texas football fans had to say:
Reminder of how it went last time 😂 pic.twitter.com/FrJybtE0qa
— Jim Hill (@JimHill3) May 29, 2026
I love the carnival barkers getting on X acting tough, but then putting conditions of not playing in Austin in their act. LOL
— Everything Texas (@UTexLonghorns) May 28, 2026
Clearly, they’re not amused with Campbell and the Red Raiders. They’re not exactly fond of Texas Tech’s idea here and it really seems like they’re annoyed by the thought of playing against the Red Raiders to start the season.
To be completely honest, being in this situation, where they aren’t the ones totally dictating the terms of how this should play out, probably stings a little bit.
So Tech wont come to Austin? Texas forfeiting a home game is a non-starter. Tickets are already sold. But you know that. I bet the meeting to discuss this little stunt was hilarious.
— 🤘Lawson🤘 (@mattlawson99) May 29, 2026
“Tell them we’ll play them anywhere!”
“Wait! But not Austin! They might say ‘yes.’”
Clowns. 🤡
Get in line. Everyone wants to play Texas. Your money can’t buy everything. https://t.co/sTJ6e5V6gu
— Bobby Burton (@BobbyBurtonOTF) May 28, 2026
Historically speaking, Texas has controlled this series. It’s been pretty one-sided with the Longhorns historically being the party that’s been in charge of everything. So for Texas Tech to come out and publicly challenge the Longhorns like this? It probably feels a little unfamiliar. It definitely seems to be irritating for them.
I hate this narrative already forming.
— Joseph (@TN_Longhorn) May 28, 2026
TT knows UT won’t do it but they say they offered.
Media will eat Texas alive for not wanting to play 11!!! P4 games and TT would have 1 top 25 game if they played Texas.
They get to skate by with a weak schedule and say they tried. https://t.co/7WRfPRXwzk
Let’s do it.
— Longhorn Baseball News (@HornsBsblNews) May 28, 2026
57-7 is gonna be fun again. https://t.co/SLGYw8miNJ
Honestly, given how loaded Texas’ schedule is for next season, I wouldn’t fault them for turning this challenge down, but it’s definitely going to be a talking point for the foreseeable future. And to be objective on this for a second, there’s no reason that the Longhorns should take this challenge.
But from an optics standpoint, this might hurt a few egos here and there. It might ruffle a few feathers for folks.
If Texas were to accept this and play the Red Raiders, then there’s some level of risk of slipping up and losing to Texas Tech, an instate rival that really has nothing to lose and likely won’t have its starting quarterback available. If Texas turns this down? Well, don’t expect Texas Tech fans to be quiet about how the Longhorns didn’t actually want to play.
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