A Dominant Homecoming
The Texas Tech Red Raiders opened their 2026 season with a commanding 33-10 victory over the Abilene Christian Wildcats on Saturday at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock. The decisive momentum shifted early, as Texas Tech’s rushing attack established immediate control, while kicker Stone Harrington provided consistent scoring support throughout the contest.
The home team’s balanced approach overwhelmed the visiting Wildcats, who managed only 10 total points in the loss. The game featured a strong performance from Will Hammond, who returned from an injury to lead the passing game, complemented by a powerful rushing effort from J'Koby Williams.
With 60,229 fans in attendance, the atmosphere at Galaxy Stadium reflected the high expectations for the Red Raiders as they secured their first win of the year.
Scoring Breakdown
Texas Tech struck first in the opening period, building a 14-0 lead before halftime. Quinten Joyner opened the scoring with a 14-yard run, followed closely by J'Koby Williams, who added a 5-yard touchdown run. Both scores were made official by Harrington’s extra-point kicks.
The Red Raiders extended their lead in the second quarter with a 23-yard field goal by Harrington, while Abilene Christian responded with a 41-yard field goal by Brandon Perez. The second half saw a barrage of special teams points from the home squad. Harrington connected on field goals from 28, 33, and 45 yards in the third quarter, pushing the score to 26-3.
In the fourth quarter, Hammond found Malcolm Simmons on a 64-yard pass for a touchdown, capped by another Harrington kick. Abilene Christian’s final score came via a 98-yard kickoff return by Alex Broome, but it was too little, too late to alter the outcome.
