Kirby Hocutt jokes Chris Del Conte is 'still scared' to schedule nonconference games with Texas Tech

With Texas set to join the SEC in 2024, there is the inevitability that some of the rivalries it built in the Big 12 will come to an end. One such team is Texas Tech, whom the Longhorns have played on an annual basis since 1960 in both the Southwest Conference and Big 12.

Speaking in front of media Sunday, Red Raiders athletic director Kirby Hocutt expressed an interest in keeping that rivalry alive by scheduling nonconference matchups with Texas after its move to the SEC. However, he added that the decision is ultimately up to Longhorns AD Chris Del Conte, joking that he is “scared” to continue to play Tech.

“He’s still scared,” Hocutt said. “Nothing has changed over the course of the year. Ball’s in their court. We welcome a chance to play them.”

Texas has largely dominated the series with a 54-18 all-time record. However, the Red Raiders claimed a 37-34 victory in the most recent contest between the two schools this past season.

Texas’ nonconference schedule is already set for the 2024 season, though there is an opening in 2025 if the SEC sticks with its current eight-game conference scheduling model. If the league moves to nine games as has been speculated, the Longhorns wouldn’t have an opening until 2027. That means even if Texas is willing to schedule Texas Tech, a meeting likely wouldn’t occur for at least a few years after joining the SEC.

Texas Tech isn’t the only longtime rivalry the Longhorns are likely to lose upon joining the SEC. Texas has also played Baylor, another member of of the old Southwest Conference, every season since 1945. Of course, the Red River Rivalry with Oklahoma isn’t going anywhere, as the Sooners will join the Longhorns in the SEC.

While the move to the SEC will sadly end longtime rivalries, it will also reignite old ones. Texas is set to face both Arkansas and Texas A&M on the road in its first season in the conference. The Razorbacks and Aggies also faced the Longhorns yearly in the Southwest Conference, and A&M was even a member of the Big 12 until 2011. Now it seems they could get back to seeing each other frequently, and there is plenty of anticipation for a reunion.

The Longhorns and Red Raiders are set to face each other this season on Nov. 24 for what could be the final game between the teams for the foreseeable future.