Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire Challenges LSU: “We’d Love a Home-and-Home Series”
As Brian Kelly Eyes Big Ten Battles, a Big 12 Head Coach Makes His Case for a Cross-Conference Clash With the Tigers
The countdown to college football season is on, and the offseason buzz just got a little louder. While LSU head coach Brian Kelly has made headlines recently for expressing a desire to face Big Ten teams in future non-conference schedules, Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire is raising his hand from the Big 12, asking a simple question:
What about us?
During Big 12 Media Days, McGuire didn’t hold back in pitching a potential home-and-home series between his Texas Tech Red Raiders and Kelly’s LSU Tigers — a bold proposal that instantly lit up fanbases on both sides of the Mississippi.
“We now all of the sudden have cross-conference games where we’re playing each other,” McGuire said. “I saw Brian Kelly say he’d love to play a Big Ten team. Hey, man, I would love to play LSU in a home-and-home series.”
The challenge is on the table — and the college football world is watching.
The Origin of the Callout
The spark for McGuire’s challenge came from comments made by Brian Kelly at the SEC spring meetings back in May. There, Kelly publicly voiced support for the idea of the SEC increasing its conference games from eight to nine, while also expressing interest in adding high-profile matchups against the Big Ten.
“The Big Ten right now holds it on the SEC,” Kelly said. “They’ve won the last 2 national championships, that’s the reality of it. We want to get challenged in that regard and we’d like to be able to get that done.”
Kelly’s remarks were primarily aimed at ramping up competition, showing his eagerness to challenge his team against the best in the country. But McGuire saw an opening — and seized it.
Texas Tech vs LSU: The History
These two programs aren’t strangers, but history hasn’t exactly favored the Red Raiders. LSU and Texas Tech have faced off only three times in college football history. The most recent meeting? A 56-27 LSU victory in the 2015 Texas Bowl— a game that highlighted LSU’s offensive firepower and deep SEC talent.
Still, McGuire isn’t looking at the past. He’s looking at what a modern matchup would mean — for recruiting, national exposure, and the growing strength of the Big 12 as it enters a new era post-Texas and Oklahoma.
Why McGuire Wants LSU
Let’s be honest — there’s no bigger statement a Big 12 program can make right now than taking down a team like LSU.
Under Brian Kelly, the Tigers have reloaded with elite talent, rebuilt their trenches, and emerged as a legitimate College Football Playoff contender. A matchup against LSU offers more than just a high-profile opponent — it’s a national spotlight game that could shift narratives and elevate the Red Raiders’ growing program.
For Texas Tech, which has been steadily building under McGuire’s leadership, this type of non-conference matchup would serve as a recruiting tool and a measuring stick.
A Changing College Football Landscape
College football is entering a new era — realignment, superconferences, expanded playoffs, and a renewed emphasis on strength of schedule. The idea of elite cross-conference clashes isn’t just about bragging rights anymore. It’s about positioning.
Programs like LSU and Texas Tech know that making a strong impression on selection committees, media, and fans across the country often hinges on the quality of non-conference opponents.
With the Big Ten and SEC growing more dominant and media rights deals shifting power, coaches like Kelly and McGuire are being forced to think beyond traditional rivalries and regional matchups.
What a Home-and-Home Would Bring
A home-and-home series between LSU and Texas Tech would not only excite fans — it would make serious national headlines. Imagine:
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Death Valley on a Saturday night vs. the Red Raiders’ high-octane offense.
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Lubbock’s electric home crowd welcoming the Tigers in a hostile Big 12 environment.
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Two dynamic coaches in Brian Kelly and Joey McGuire, both passionate, competitive, and eager to make statements.
It would be a battle of cultures, styles, and conference pride — and fans would get a taste of everything that makes college football special.
Is LSU Listening?
Brian Kelly’s interest in the Big Ten doesn’t necessarily rule out other marquee matchups. If anything, it shows that he’s open to pushing the Tigers out of their comfort zone and into high-profile battles.
And while the Big Ten has been his focus, Joey McGuire’s public callout may shift that conversation. After all, with future scheduling flexibility increasing and playoff access expanding, Kelly could see a home-and-home with Texas Tech as a win-win.
Final Thoughts
College football thrives on storylines, rivalries, and bold challenges. Joey McGuire just delivered one. Now it’s up to Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers to respond.
A Texas Tech-LSU home-and-home may not be on the books — yet — but it’s the kind of cross-conference clash that fans crave, players embrace, and the new age of college football demands.
And if Kelly is serious about facing the best, he might want to look toward Lubbock — because Joey McGuire and the Red Raiders are already waiting.
LSU vs. Texas Tech. Who says no?
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