History of TCU–Texas Tech football rivalry in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 4, 2026

The TCU–Texas Tech football rivalry, known as the "West Texas Championship – Battle for the Saddle Trophy", is an American college football rivalry between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Since 1926, the teams have competed in 67 games, with the winner receiving the Saddle Trophy, which displays the scores of each game. The rivalry and trophy were prominent from 1961 to 1970, during which time the teams split the series. After decades of dormancy, the name and trophy were reintroduced in 2017, continuing the tradition of this West Texas football clash.

1926: Frequent Non-Conference Games Begin

Beginning in 1926, TCU and Texas Tech frequently played each other as non-conference opponents.

1926: TCU Led Series Early

From 1926, TCU led the series 10-6 in the early years against Texas Tech.

1926: First Game of the Rivalry

In 1926, the TCU Horned Frogs and the Texas Tech Red Raiders first met on the gridiron, marking the beginning of their college football rivalry.

1955: End of Frequent Non-Conference Games

In 1955, TCU and Texas Tech ended their period of frequently playing as non-conference opponents.

1956: Texas Tech Joins Southwest Conference

In 1956, Texas Tech joined the Southwest Conference (SWC), leading to annual games against TCU as conference opponents.

1957: Teams Did Not Play

In 1957, TCU and Texas Tech did not play as conference opponents because Texas Tech was not yet a full member of the Southwest Conference.

1959: End of TCU's Early Series Lead

In 1959, TCU led the series 10-6 against Texas Tech.

1960: Texas Tech Takes Series Lead in SWC Play

From 1960, during Southwest Conference play, Texas Tech led the series against TCU 21-12-3.

1960: Texas Tech Becomes Full SWC Member

In 1960, Texas Tech became a full member of the Southwest Conference, solidifying their annual conference games against TCU.

1961: Saddle Trophy Awarded

In 1961, the "West Texas Championship – Saddle Trophy" was first awarded to the winner of the TCU-Texas Tech game.

1970: End of First Saddle Trophy Era

The "West Texas Championship – Saddle Trophy" was awarded from 1961 through 1970, with the teams splitting the series 5-5 during this period.

1979: First Tie Game

In 1979, TCU and Texas Tech had a tie game in Lubbock.

1981: Second Tie Game

In 1981, TCU and Texas Tech had their second tie game in Lubbock.

1983: Third Tie Game

In 1983, TCU and Texas Tech had their third tie game in Lubbock.

November 9, 1985: Texas Tech's Largest Victory Margin

On November 9, 1985, Texas Tech achieved its largest victory margin in the series, winning 63-7 against TCU in Lubbock, a difference of 56 points.

1995: End of SWC Play Series Lead

In 1995, at the end of Southwest Conference play, Texas Tech led the series against TCU 21-12-3.

1995: Dissolution of Southwest Conference

In 1995, the Southwest Conference (SWC) was dissolved, ending the annual conference games between TCU and Texas Tech.

1996: Split Series After SWC Dissolution

From 1996, as members of different conferences, the two teams met twice and split, 1-1.

September 18, 2004: Tech's Next Largest Victory Margin

On September 18, 2004, Texas Tech achieved its next largest victory margin, winning 70-35 against TCU in Lubbock, a difference of 35 points.

2004: Texas Tech wins Home Game

In 2004, Texas Tech won a home game against TCU as part of a home-and-home series.

2006: First Top 25 Matchup

In 2006, TCU and Texas Tech played their first game as a top-25 matchup, with the higher-ranked TCU winning 12-3 in Fort Worth.

2006: TCU wins Home Game

In 2006, TCU won a home game against Texas Tech as part of a home-and-home series.

2011: End of Split Series

In 2011, the two teams met twice and split, 1-1.

2012: TCU Holds Lead in Big 12 Competition

From 2012, in Big 12 competition, TCU holds a 7-5 lead over Texas Tech.

2012: Second Top 25 Matchup

In 2012, TCU and Texas Tech played their second game as a top-25 matchup, with Texas Tech winning in 3OT 56-53 in Fort Worth.

2012: TCU Joins Big 12 Conference

In 2012, TCU joined the Big 12 Conference, renewing the annual rivalry with Texas Tech.

October 25, 2014: TCU's Largest Victory Margin

On October 25, 2014, TCU achieved its largest victory margin, winning 82-27 against Texas Tech in Fort Worth, a difference of 55 points; the 82 points scored were the most ever scored against Texas Tech and the most against any team in Big 12 history.