Texas Tech to Host Jackson State on Monday
The No. 19 Red Raiders begin their season at home against Jackson State.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Basketball
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Texas Tech will open its season by hosting Jackson State in Lubbock on Monday. The team enters the matchup ranked 19th following a recent exhibition loss.
Why it matters
The program is adjusting its rotation to compensate for the absence of JT Toppin, who remains sidelined following an ACL injury. The team looks to establish momentum after losing four of its final five games last season.
Texas Tech recorded 16 offensive rebounds during their 76-65 exhibition loss to Kentucky. Leading players like Darrion Williams averaged 13.3 points last season, while newcomer Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn averaged 20.7 points.
The players
JT Toppin
He is a key player for Texas Tech who is expected to miss the start of the season due to an ACL injury.
Darrion Williams
He is a returning forward who averaged 13.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for the Red Raiders from 2023 to 2025.
Cruz Davis
He is a guard who joins the rotation after averaging 20.1 points per game at Hofstra last season.
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn
He is a backcourt addition who averaged 20.7 points per game while playing at UNLV last season.
Jamichael Stillwell
He is a player whose current participation for the team is pending the outcome of an eligibility court ruling.
The details
The Red Raiders plan to utilize a backcourt pairing of Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn to drive production alongside returners like Donovan Atwell. Jackson State arrives in Lubbock after being picked sixth in the SWAC preseason poll.
Timeline
February 17: JT Toppin suffered an ACL tear.
October 23, 2026: Texas Tech played an exhibition game against Kentucky.
October 28, 2026: Texas Tech hosts Jackson State in Lubbock.
Season Trajectory
This game marks the first opportunity for Texas Tech to move past the 2025-26 season conclusion where they lost four of their final five games. Success against Jackson State will be critical for setting an early tone in a campaign where the team must overcome significant injury challenges.
The rotation will prioritize the backcourt pairing of Cruz Davis and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn to offset the scoring void left by JT Toppin. Fans should monitor how these newcomers integrate with veterans like Darrion Williams to improve offensive efficiency after the team's 16-rebound performance against Kentucky.
The takeaway
Texas Tech begins a rebuilding effort this Monday to establish a stronger foundation than their previous season performance. The team must rely on depth and new scoring threats to remain competitive while waiting for injured starters to return to full practice intensity.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Basketball page.
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