The Texas Tech Red Raiders have made a significant addition to their 2028 football schedule, announcing that they will host the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks on September 2, 2028, at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas. This matchup marks the fifth meeting between the two teams, with the Red Raiders having emerged victorious in each of their previous encounters.
According to the contract obtained from Texas Tech University via a state public records request, the Red Raiders will pay the Lumberjacks a guarantee of $500,000 for the contest. This agreement underscores the significance of the matchup, as well as the Red Raiders’ commitment to competing against top-notch opponents.
The Red Raiders and Lumberjacks have a history of competition dating back to 2001. Their most recent matchup took place in 2021, with the Red Raiders securing a hard-fought 28-22 victory. Stephen F. Austin, a member of the Southland Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), concluded the 2024 season with a respectable 7-5 overall record and a 4-4 conference record.
The addition of Stephen F. Austin to the Red Raiders’ 2028 schedule comes on the heels of a scheduling adjustment. Originally, Texas Tech was slated to host the Missouri State Bears in the season opener, but this matchup was rescheduled for the 2029 season following Missouri State’s announcement that they would be transitioning from the FCS to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Conference USA.
With the Stephen F. Austin matchup now confirmed, the Red Raiders’ 2028 schedule is beginning to take shape. Following the season opener against the Lumberjacks, Texas Tech will travel to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs on September 9, before hosting the Wyoming Cowboys on September 16.
The addition of Stephen F. Austin to the Red Raiders’ schedule provides a valuable opportunity for both teams to test their mettle against top-level competition. As the 2028 season approaches, fans of both teams will be eagerly anticipating this matchup, which promises to deliver an exciting and competitive contest.
In the world of college football, scheduling is a complex and ever-evolving process. The announcement of the Texas Tech-Stephen F. Austin matchup serves as a reminder of the importance of strategic scheduling in shaping the trajectory of a team’s season. As the Red Raiders and Lumberjacks prepare to face off in 2028, fans can expect a thrilling matchup that will set the tone for the remainder of the season.
