Friday night under the lights in Lubbock carries extra weight as the No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders open Big 12 play against the No. 22 Houston Cougars. Coming off a hard-fought 35-24 victory over the Oregon State Beavers to improve to 2-0, head coach Joey McGuire and his team face a critical top-25 matchup at Galaxy Stadium. However, Texas Tech will have to handle business while dealing with a few key bumps and bruises.

The initial Big 12 injury report ruled starting cornerback Amier Boyd out for Friday's contest. Losing Boyd creates a void in the Red Raiders' secondary, which faces a Houston attack averaging 308 rushing yards per game. Fortunately for Red Raider fans, help could be on the way elsewhere. Outside linebacker Trey White and tight end Terrance Carter Jr. are both officially listed as questionable, and McGuire noted that both playmakers are trending in the right direction.

Initial Houston at Texas Tech injury report ahead of Friday night’s top-25 matchup.

Red Raiders will be without cornerback Amier Boyd. EDGE Trey White and tight end Terrance Carter are questionable. https://t.co/fmiTxG2VaP pic.twitter.com/2qiHO6WTpY

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) September 16, 2026

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White, a marquee transfer from the San Diego State Aztecs who piled up 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons, is aiming to make his Red Raider debut after battling a back injury. Meanwhile, Carter missed the Oregon State game with a foot issue after recording three receptions for 28 yards in Tech's 33-10 season-opening win over the Abilene Christian Wildcats. Carter, who caught 55 passes for 624 yards and five touchdowns last season, gives Tech an elite target over the middle.

Rejoining the lineup would provide a massive boost for quarterback Will Hammond, who has picked apart defenses with 487 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a 76.7% completion rate through two games. Complemented by running back J'Koby Williams, who leads the ground attack with 187 rushing yards and two scores, Texas Tech’s offense has moved the ball with ease. If White and Carter suit up, the Red Raiders will be in prime position to extend their seven-game winning streak over Houston.