Tech Knight Rallies Red Raider Fans Ahead of 2026 Football Season
The 2026 Texas Tech football season is right around the corner, and the 65th annual Tech Knight helped get fans fired up for the year ahead. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council 3008, the event featured guest speakers alongside energetic performances from The Goin’ Band, the Tech Pom Squad, and the Spirit Team.
The festivities kicked off with a joint performance by the band and spirit squads, bringing the crowd to its feet to cheer on the Scarlet and Black.
Texas Tech University President Lawrence Schovanec led off the speaker lineup with a major announcement: Tech has set a new enrollment record of 46,000 students for the 2026–2027 academic year. Schovanec also offered a bold prediction, declaring Tech will go 16-0 this football season. He was followed by Bishop Coerver of the Catholic Diocese of Lubbock. Bishop Coerver shared a lighthearted memory of being one of only three people waiting at the airport gate when the football team returned from a Big 12 Championship game, watching the squad pass right by to board their bus back to campus.
Following a live auction to raise funds for the charitable work the Knights of Columbus lead across Lubbock, the main program began.
James Blanchard, General Manager of Football Operations and Head Coach Joey McGuire’s first hire in 2021, sat down for a Q&A hosted by Robert Giovannetti, Senior Associate Athletic Director. Blanchard discussed the specific traits he evaluates in transfer portal prospects and touched on the modern challenges of roster building.
Former Red Raider player and current Associate Athletic Director for Football Operations Antonio Huffman took the stage next with Giovannetti. Huffman reflected on his playing days under legendary coach Mike Leach, comparing that era to working with McGuire today. He also shared how his own background as a Texas Tech student-athlete helps him relate to current players.
The headliner of the evening was Head Football Coach Joey McGuire. McGuire spoke about the upcoming Paramount+ series "The Program," which offers an inside look at Texas Tech football, and enthusiastically backed President Schovanec’s 16-0 prediction. Addressing the offseason attention surrounding quarterback Brendan Sorsby, McGuire expressed disappointment over comments made by opposing athletic directors and head coaches, noting he plans to use those remarks as motivation. McGuire also offered high praise for starting quarterback Will Hammond.
Red Raider fans left the event energized and optimistic for the upcoming year. Texas Tech kicks off its season at home on September 5 against Abilene Christian University at 6:00 p.m. inside Galaxy Stadium.
