Coach Grant McCasland and his returning talent are set to test new lineups as the Red Raiders open the 2026‑27 campaign against Jackson State.
Key points
- Texas Tech’s depth gives it a high ceiling, but front‑court injuries remain the biggest uncertainty heading into the season.
- Key players to watch include Cruz Davis (point guard), Darrion Williams (versatile forward), and Bassala Bagayoko (center).
- The Red Raiders aim to translate championship‑level potential into a deep run, provided the new rotations gel quickly.
- Fans can watch the game live on CBS Sports Network or via major streaming services that carry the network.
Kade Nix’s game‑day breakdown highlights that Texas Tech will need to lock in specific roles and rotations early in the season, especially as the team works through front‑court injuries that have left JT Toppin and Jamichael Stillwell sidelined.
The Red Raiders are expected to lean on transfer guard Cruz Davis as the primary point‑guard, tasked with distributing the ball to a roster packed with scorers, while Darrion Williams will shift to power forward to help fill the front‑court void.
Rotations and role assignments
Sharp‑shooter Donovan Atwell, noted as one of the nation’s top deep threats, anchors the small forward spot alongside Williams, and the backcourt depth is bolstered by transfer Damarion Dennis, freshman DaKari Spear and shooting‑guard Dra Gibbs‑Lawhorn, who is projected to provide a 15‑plus‑point scoring punch and perimeter defense.
In the paint, newcomer Bassala Bagayoko is slated to start at center, sharing minutes with Josiah Moseley and reserves such as LaTrell Hoover and Marial Akuentok, as the team seeks to address early rebounding concerns.
Key contributors and depth
The season opener is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM CT (7:00 PM ET) in the United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas, and will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network with streaming options on YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling TV and DirecTV Stream.
Reader questions
When and where is the Texas Tech vs. Jackson State game being played?
The game takes place on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM CT (7:00 PM ET) in the United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas.
Which Texas Tech players are expected to have major roles in the opener?
Cruz Davis is slated as the starting point guard, Darrion Williams will play power forward, Bassala Bagayoko is expected to start at center, and Donovan Atwell anchors the small forward position.
How can I watch the season‑opening game?
The matchup will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network and can be streamed through services that carry the network, such as YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream.
Source: si.com
