Texas Tech Climbs to No. 16 in AP Poll
The Red Raiders rose three spots after sweeping two home games in their opening week, ahead of a matchup with No. 3 Illinois.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Do you plan to attend a Texas Tech men's basketball game this season?
Texas Tech men's basketball moved up three spots to No. 16 in the AP Top 25 poll released Monday. The ranking rise followed home victories over Jackson State and Bethune-Cookman to open the season.
Why it matters
Texas Tech's climb puts the program in a stronger position heading into a high-profile test against a ranked opponent. The rise reflects early results at home in Lubbock.
Texas Tech moved from No. 19 to No. 16 in the AP poll after its opening-week sweep. Illinois, at No. 3, has started 2-0 and most recently won 112-70 over Penn.
The players
Texas Tech Red Raiders
The men's basketball program of Texas Tech University, a member of the Big 12 Conference based in Lubbock, Texas.
Illinois Fighting Illini
The men's basketball program of the University of Illinois, a traditionally strong program in the Big Ten Conference.
The details
Texas Tech swept its opening week with home wins over Jackson State and Bethune-Cookman, and the ranking rose accordingly. The Red Raiders host No. 3 Illinois at United Supermarkets Arena on Tuesday night, and their homestand continues through next Wednesday.
Timeline
Monday, November 9, 2026: AP Top 25 poll released, Texas Tech rises to No. 16.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 7 p.m.: Texas Tech vs. Illinois at United Supermarkets Arena.
Next Wednesday, November 18, 2026: Texas Tech's homestand concludes.
Season Trajectory
The AP Top 25 weekly poll shapes early-season perception of which programs are positioned for deep tournament runs. Texas Tech's rise places it among the nation's top 16 teams just days into the 2026 campaign, a stronger start than the preseason outlook might have suggested.
Texas Tech's ranking may affect how its upcoming home schedule is viewed by fans and tournament selectors. The Tuesday matchup with Illinois offers a direct chance to test the team against a top-three opponent in front of Lubbock supporters.
The takeaway
Early wins at home can meaningfully move a team's national standing, and Texas Tech's next game against a top-three opponent will show whether that momentum holds. Local fans have a close look at the results firsthand.
What happens next
Texas Tech hosts Illinois at United Supermarkets Arena on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. The homestand concludes next Wednesday, November 18.
Further reading
Follow more coverage in the Basketball section for Lubbock teams and national college hoops.
Live Poll
Do you plan to attend a Texas Tech men's basketball game this season?
