Texas Tech vs. Abilene Christian Prediction, Odds, Pick For College Football Week 1

The No. 12 Texas Tech Red Raiders will host the Abilene Christian Wildcats on Saturday in a Week 1 college football matchup on FS1.

What an eventful offseason it has been for Texas Tech.

After a historic 2025 season in which the Red Raiders went 12-2, won the Big 12 and reached the CFP for the first time in school history before falling to Oregon in the Orange Bowl, Texas Tech brought in top transfer quarterback Brendan Sorsby.

However, after the NCAA ruled Sorsby ineligible due to extensive violations of its sports wagering policies, the former Cincinnati quarterback eventually stepped away from the program.

Now, Will Hammond will take the reins. In 2025, Hammond appeared in nine games (two starts), completing 63.3% of his passes for 680 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. He also added 299 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

Texas Tech also returns what could be the best running back duo in the Big 12 in Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams. However, the Red Raiders lost defensive captain Jacob Rodriguez, their top two pass rushers — including No. 3 overall pick David Bailey — and their top two cornerbacks from last season.

Meanwhile, Abilene Christian is coming off a 9-5 season at the FCS level in 2025. The Wildcats opened their 2026 campaign last week with a 21-14 loss to Lamar.

Let’s take a look at the odds for Texas Tech vs. Abilene Christian at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Sept. 5.

Spread 

• Texas Tech -42.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Abilene Christian +42.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

Over/Below

• Over 58.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
• Under 58.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)

From FOX Sports activities Analysis: 

In Weeks 1 and a couple of final season, Texas Tech blew out two inferior opponents as heavy favorites, beating Arkansas-Pine Bluff 67-7 and Kent State 64-14. The Purple Raiders’ offense averaged 42.5 factors per recreation in the course of the common season, rating third within the FBS and first within the Huge 12. Texas Tech additionally introduced in veteran quarterback Tommy Castellanos simply final week, which might assist the Over in two methods. Hammond ought to be further motivated to play effectively and solidify his beginning job, whereas Castellanos, who ought to be obtainable, could have a possibility to make an impression in his debut in opposition to an FCS opponent. Even when Texas Tech builds an enormous lead, there’s purpose to consider it will not take its foot off the fuel. Final season’s early blowouts confirmed that, and the Purple Raiders have sufficient offensive firepower to probably hit this whole themselves. And if they do not, Abilene Christian might assist. Texas Tech misplaced important manufacturing from final 12 months’s protection, and whereas the Purple Raiders reloaded on that aspect of the ball, it might be troublesome to instantly replicate final season’s degree of success. Take the Over.

Find out how to Watch Texas Tech vs. Abilene Christian

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 5. 2026
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• TV: FS1
• Stream: Watch 3 days free on FOX One, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App
• Location: Galaxy Stadium, Lubbock, TX