The first few weeks of the 2026 college football season have been nothing short of thrilling. Week 3’s slate features a trio of games on Friday night - an ACC showdown, a battle of top-25 squads and an in-state clash highlight the schedule. With that said, here's a look at my favorite college football picks for Friday's contest Houston vs. Texas Tech.
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Friday’s Best College Football Picks: Houston vs. Texas Tech
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
No. 22 Houston Cougars vs. No. 13 Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech remains the favorite to win the Big 12 Conference on DraftKings Sportsbook (+100). However, its first two victories did little to inspire the fan base. The Red Raiders defeated Abilene Christian 33-10 in Week 1, but did not cover as a substantial 45.5-point favorite. They snuck by Oregon State 35-24 in Week 2, but did not cover as a heavy 25.5-point favorite. Texas Tech’s offense needs fine-tuning. It enters Friday ranked 105th in yards per completion (9.4) and 90th in yards per rush attempt (3.4).
On the other side, Houston’s offense is firing on all cylinders after wins over Oregon State (33-20) and Southern University (77-6). The Cougars have recorded top-20 marks in yards per completion (15.3) and yards per rush attempt (5.6). Oregon transfer running back Makhi Hughes and senior wide receiver Amare Thomas are one of four duos in the Big 12 with at least 150 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns each. Another great performance on the road in Lubbock would give Houston crucial national recognition.
Momentum is real in college football. Take note that Houston has scored a touchdown or kicked a field goal during all six of its first-quarter drives this campaign. The Cougars have led or tied at the end of the first quarter in 10 of their past 16 regular-season games. Texas Tech was held without a first-quarter point in Week 2, as quarterback Will Hammond strives to find his footing returning from a torn ACL. Expect the visiting underdogs to weather the early storm at Galaxy Stadium.
Pick: Houston Cougars +2.5 First-Quarter Spread (-105)
