If you’re sitting in Lubbock right now feeling that familiar West Texas wind, you probably have one thing on your mind: Big 12 basketball. The schedule is a gauntlet. It's brutal. Honestly, there isn't a single "off" night in this conference anymore, and the Red Raiders are currently smack in the middle of a massive stretch that could define their entire season.
So, who does Texas Tech play next? The short answer: The BYU Cougars.
The long answer is much more interesting. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the United Supermarkets Arena is going to be rocking because the No. 11 ranked BYU Cougars are coming to town. This isn't just another game. It’s a top-15 showdown. It’s a chance for Grant McCasland’s squad to prove they belong at the very top of the standings.
The game tips off at 7:00 PM CST, and if you don't already have tickets, you’re basically looking at the secondary market. It’s a sellout.
Why the BYU Matchup is a Massive Deal
BYU is coming in hot. Like, "13-game winning streak" hot. They’re currently sitting at 16-1 overall and a perfect 4-0 in Big 12 play. Meanwhile, our Red Raiders are 13-4 and 3-1 in the conference. We just took care of business against Utah, winning 88-74, and that was a game where JT Toppin looked like an absolute monster.
Toppin is the real deal. He’s putting up numbers that make scouts drool. We're talking about six straight double-doubles. Against Utah, he dropped 31 points and grabbed 13 boards. He’s leading the Big 12 in rebounding for a reason.
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But it's not just the Toppin show. Christian Anderson is the engine. He matched his career-high with six triples against Utah and he’s leading the conference in assists. When those two are clicking, Tech is hard to beat, especially at home where they are a perfect 9-0 this season.
Looking Ahead: The Rest of January
Once the dust settles from the BYU game, there is zero time to relax. The Big 12 schedule is relentless. You've basically got a few days to recover before hitting the road for one of the toughest environments in the country.
Who Does Texas Tech Play Next? The Upcoming Road Map
After the Saturday night lights fade in Lubbock, the Red Raiders have to pack their bags. Here is what the immediate future looks like:
- At Baylor Bears: Tuesday, January 20, at 8:00 PM. This one is at the Foster Pavilion in Waco. Baylor is always a headache, and playing them on the road is a different kind of challenge.
- Vs Houston Cougars: Saturday, January 24, at 5:30 PM. Back home at the USA. Houston is currently ranked No. 7 and they play a brand of defense that feels like being stuck in a blender.
- At UCF Knights: Saturday, January 31. This is a morning/early afternoon tip-off in Orlando. Travel is always a factor when you're heading that far east.
The Houston game on the 24th is the one everyone has circled. Tech already lost a close one to them in Houston earlier this month (65-69). Getting them back in Lubbock is the "revenge game" every fan is waiting for.
The Lady Raiders Are On a Tear Too
We can't talk about Tech basketball without mentioning what Kelly Gerlich is doing with the women’s team. They are absolutely on fire.
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The Lady Raiders are currently 18-0. You read that right. Undefeated.
They also play Kansas State next, on Saturday, January 17, but their game is earlier in the day at 1:00 PM. It’s a true doubleheader for the fans in Lubbock. They just beat Houston 71-59 and they look like a team that could make a very deep run in March.
Bailey Maupin and Jasmine Shavers are leading a group that plays with an incredible amount of chemistry. If you’re looking for who does Texas Tech play next for the women's side, they follow up that K-State game with a tough road trip to the mountains to face BYU and Utah.
What to Watch For: Keys to the Next Few Games
If Tech wants to stay in the hunt for a Big 12 title, three things have to happen.
First, they have to protect the paint. The Big 12 has some massive bodies this year. Toppin can't do it alone. We need Luke Bamgboye to stay healthy and provide that rim protection. He’s been dealing with a leg issue, and having him at 100% is crucial.
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Second, the perimeter defense has to be tighter. In their losses this year—like against Purdue and Arkansas—the Red Raiders gave up too many open looks from deep. You can't let guys like BYU’s shooters get comfortable early.
Third, the "USA" factor. The crowd in Lubbock is arguably the best in the conference. When that arena is full and the students are loud, it’s a five-point advantage before the ball is even tipped.
The Stakes are Getting High
The Big 12 is currently a logjam. Arizona, BYU, and Houston are at the top, but Tech is right there in that second tier, ready to pounce. A win against BYU on Saturday wouldn't just be a "good win"—it would be a statement. It would likely jump the Red Raiders into the top 10 of the AP Poll.
It’s a fun time to be a Red Raider. Whether it's the men's team finding their rhythm under McCasland or the women's team putting together a historic undefeated start, the atmosphere around Lubbock is electric.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
If you are planning on attending or watching the upcoming games, here is your checklist:
- Secure your Houston tickets now: The BYU game is sold out, but the Houston game on January 24th is "Almost Gone." Don't wait until Friday to look for seats.
- Check the broadcast: The BYU game is on ESPN, which is a nice change from the usual ESPN+ streams. The Baylor game moves to Peacock, so make sure your subscription is active.
- Arrive early for the doubleheader: If you're going Saturday, catch the Lady Raiders at 1:00 PM. They deserve the support for that 18-0 start, and it gets you a prime parking spot for the men's game later.
The path through the Big 12 is never easy, but that's exactly why we love it. Wreck 'em.