Decisive Finish
The Texas Tech Red Raiders secured a hard-fought 34-26 victory over the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Galaxy Stadium in Lubbock. The outcome was largely decided in the final period when J'Koby Williams broke free for a 64-yard touchdown run, extending the Red Raiders' lead and effectively closing the contest before Arizona could mount a comeback.
First Half Dynamics
Arizona struck first, taking an early 3-0 lead on a 35-yard field goal by Michael Salgado-Medina. Texas Tech responded quickly in the first quarter, with quarterback Thomas Castellanos connecting with Terrance Carter Jr. on a 24-yard pass to take a 7-3 advantage. The Wildcats seized control in the second quarter through their passing attack.
Noah Fifita threw a 94-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Mizell, giving Arizona a 10-7 lead. Kedrick Reescano added another score with a 5-yard run, pushing the margin to 17-7 before Stone Harrington kicked a 29-yard field goal to make it 17-10 at halftime.
Third Quarter Shift
Texas Tech rallied in the third quarter behind Castellanos’ dual-threat performance. He ran for an 8-yard touchdown to tie the game at 17-17. However, Arizona regained the lead when Reescano scored on a 1-yard run; although the extra point was blocked, the Wildcats held a 23-17 advantage.
The Red Raiders answered immediately as Castellanos found Kenny Johnson on a 27-yard pass to tie the game at 24-23 heading into the final period.
