Texas Tech Edges West Virginia 53-48
Thomas Castellanos threw five touchdown passes as Texas Tech held off West Virginia in a high-scoring Big 12 matchup at Galaxy Stadium.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Football
Texas Tech defeated West Virginia 53-48 at Galaxy Stadium on November 7, 2026. Thomas Castellanos threw for 362 yards and five touchdowns, including a go-ahead 5-yard pass to Kenny Johnson with 2:44 left.
Why it matters
The win moves Texas Tech (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) to sole possession of second place in the conference and extends its home winning streak. West Virginia (5-4, 2-4) missed a chance at coach Rich Rodriguez's 200th career victory.
Castellanos' 362 passing yards and five touchdowns were both career highs, and J'Koby Williams added 160 rushing yards on 19 carries. West Virginia gained 582 total yards, yet the two teams combined for 1,220 yards of offense.
The players
Texas Tech Red Raiders
The Texas Tech University football program competes in the Big 12 Conference and plays its home games at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock.
West Virginia Mountaineers
The West Virginia University football program competes in the Big 12 Conference and is coached by Rich Rodriguez.
Thomas Castellanos
Castellanos is Texas Tech's starting quarterback, who threw for 362 yards and five touchdowns in the win.
Rich Rodriguez
Rodriguez is West Virginia's head football coach, who was denied his 200th career victory in the loss.
The details
Johnson's touchdown capped a 9-play, 69-yard drive kept alive by a fourth-down catch from Micah Hudson. Trey White made the decisive plays, forcing a turnover on downs with 1:55 left and tackling Michael Hawkins Jr. for a safety with 1:24 remaining.
Timeline
November 7, 2026: Texas Tech defeats West Virginia 53-48 at Galaxy Stadium.
With 2:44 left: Castellanos throws the go-ahead touchdown to Johnson.
With 1:55 left: West Virginia turns the ball over on downs.
With 1:24 left: Hawkins is tackled for a safety.
Next week: Texas Tech plays Oklahoma State on the road.
Season Trajectory
The result sharpens Texas Tech's position in the Big 12 race, lifting it to sole possession of second place with its 14th straight home win, a school record. For West Virginia, the loss deepens a difficult stretch that now sees its conference record fall to 2-4.
Castellanos' five touchdown passes give fantasy managers a strong performance to weigh for upcoming lineups. Texas Tech's road test against Oklahoma State next week will determine whether its momentum carries into the stretch run.
The takeaway
Texas Tech's ability to finish close games under pressure, as shown by its late touchdown drive and defensive stops, is a useful measure of a team's readiness for the conference's final weeks. Fans should watch how the team handles its next road trip.
What happens next
Texas Tech travels to face Oklahoma State's passing offense on the road next week.
Further reading
Follow the latest from the Football section for more on Texas Tech's Big 12 run.
