The Rivalry That Refuses to Die: Texas Tech vs. Texas and the Theater of College Football
College football has always been a stage for drama, but the feud between Texas Tech and Texas is a masterclass in how personal rivalries can overshadow even the biggest games. When Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire recently reignited the flames by calling for a College Football Playoff (CFP) matchup against Texas, it wasn’t just about football—it was about pride, legacy, and the theater of the sport.
The Spark That Keeps Burning
What makes this particularly fascinating is how McGuire’s comments aren’t just a response to Texas coach Steve Sarkisian’s earlier jabs; they’re a strategic move to keep the rivalry alive. Sarkisian had suggested that Texas could field its second-string players and still go undefeated, a remark widely interpreted as a dig at Texas Tech’s schedule. Personally, I think Sarkisian’s comments were less about Texas Tech and more about flexing Texas’s muscle in the SEC. But McGuire saw an opportunity—and he took it.
McGuire’s proposal to buy out Texas State and Abilene Christian to play Texas in Week 1 was bold, if not a bit theatrical. It didn’t happen, but the fact that he even floated the idea speaks volumes. In my opinion, this isn’t just about settling a score; it’s about positioning Texas Tech as a program unafraid to challenge the giants. What many people don’t realize is that these kinds of rivalries are often less about the actual games and more about the narratives they create.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Feud Matters
If you take a step back and think about it, the Texas Tech-Texas rivalry is a microcosm of college football’s broader identity crisis. Texas’s move from the Big 12 to the SEC disrupted decades of tradition, leaving teams like Texas Tech to pick up the pieces. Last year, Texas Tech won the Big 12 and made the CFP, while Texas missed out despite a strong season. This raises a deeper question: does success in college football depend more on conference alignment or on-field performance?
From my perspective, McGuire’s push for a CFP matchup isn’t just about beating Texas—it’s about proving that Texas Tech belongs in the same conversation as the sport’s elite. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the transfer portal has leveled the playing field. Texas Tech’s success in 2025 was fueled by the No. 1 transfer class, and they’re entering this season with the No. 2 class. Meanwhile, Texas is banking on Heisman hopeful Arch Manning and a bolstered receiving corps. What this really suggests is that the gap between these programs might be narrower than many think.
The Psychology of Rivalries
One thing that immediately stands out is how personal this feud has become. McGuire’s comments about Sarkisian’s “twos and threes” weren’t just a clap back—they were a challenge to Texas’s identity as a powerhouse. In my opinion, this kind of psychological warfare is what makes college football so compelling. Coaches aren’t just strategists; they’re storytellers, crafting narratives that resonate with fans and players alike.
What this really suggests is that the rivalry isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about respect. Texas holds a 55-18 edge in the series, including a 57-7 blowout in their last meeting in 2023. But McGuire’s willingness to engage Sarkisian shows that Texas Tech isn’t content to be an afterthought. Personally, I think this kind of defiance is what keeps college football interesting. It’s not just about the games; it’s about the stories we tell ourselves about them.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for This Feud?
If both teams make the CFP, a matchup would be nothing short of electric. But even if it doesn’t happen, the feud will continue to simmer. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it reflects the changing landscape of college football. With conference realignment and the transfer portal reshaping the sport, rivalries like this are becoming rarer—and more valuable.
In my opinion, the Texas Tech-Texas feud isn’t just about the past; it’s about the future. It’s a reminder that, in a sport increasingly driven by money and logistics, personal rivalries still matter. If you take a step back and think about it, this feud isn’t just about two teams—it’s about the soul of college football.
Final Thoughts
As someone who’s watched this sport for years, I can say with confidence that the Texas Tech-Texas rivalry is one of the most intriguing storylines in college football today. It’s not just about the games; it’s about the pride, the narratives, and the theater of it all. Personally, I’m rooting for that CFP matchup—not just because it would be great football, but because it would be a fitting chapter in a rivalry that refuses to die.
What this really suggests is that, in a sport that’s always evolving, some things remain constant. Rivalries like this remind us why we love college football in the first place. And if McGuire and Sarkisian keep trading barbs, I’ll be here for every second of it.
