Texas Tech vs Cincinnati Picks and Predictions for Saturday, October 24, 2026

Texas Tech heads to Cincinnati on Saturday looking to stay unbeaten in the Big 12 race. The game is at Nippert Stadium, with kickoff at 12:00 pm ET on FS1. No. 8 Texas Tech is 6-0 overall and tied for first in the conference at 3-0. The Red Raiders beat Arizona State 53-25 last weekend, their third win by at least 22 points in four games. Cincinnati is 4-2 and tied for eighth in the Big 12 at 1-2. The Bearcats lost 45-42 at West Virginia last Saturday, their second straight defeat. Find your next winner with our free NCAAF picks.

Texas Tech Has Been Hard to Slow Down

Texas Tech didn't leave Arizona State much room for a comeback last weekend. The Red Raiders scored 53 points, a week after a 29-7 win at Colorado. They also beat Sam Houston 49-14 and held off Houston 28-26 in September. The Houston game was close, but Texas Tech has generally been comfortable winning with its running game and defense. The team has rushed for 1,155 yards and 16 touchdowns in six games. Defensively, Texas Tech has intercepted 11 passes, giving opposing quarterbacks plenty to worry about.

J'Koby Williams has been the main threat on the ground, gaining 538 yards on only 74 carries. He's averaging 7.3 yards per attempt and has scored five touchdowns. Will Hammond has thrown for 1,334 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions. Kenny Johnson leads the receivers with 418 yards, while Coy Eakin has three touchdown catches. John Curry has intercepted three passes on defense, and A.J. Holmes Jr. has four sacks. Austin Romaine leads Texas Tech with 42 tackles, adding two interceptions of his own.

Injuries: Donte Lee Jr. and Cameron Dickey are out. J. Jones is questionable.

Cincinnati Needs to Clean Up Its Defense

Cincinnati had plenty of offense at West Virginia last Saturday and still came home with a loss. The Bearcats scored 42 points, but the Mountaineers answered with 45. That followed a 34-7 defeat at Arizona, making it two straight conference losses. Before those games, Cincinnati beat Kansas State 31-26 and Miami (Ohio) 35-31. This offense has produced several strong outings, but the defense has struggled to hold leads. The Bearcats have allowed at least 26 points in four of their last five games.

JC French IV has thrown for 1,338 yards and nine touchdowns without an interception, completing 70.6% of his passes. Cole Tabb has been even tougher to contain on the ground. He's gained 448 yards on 49 carries, averaging 9.1 yards with eight touchdowns. Gi'Bran Payne has another 418 rushing yards, while French has six rushing scores himself. JV Gibson leads the receivers with 342 yards and four touchdowns. Jonathan Thompson has 53 tackles on defense, and Josh Hough has three sacks. Cincinnati needs those defenders to stop long runs.

Injuries: D. Witherspoon and Gi'Bran Payne are questionable.

Key To The Game

Both teams have running backs averaging more than seven yards per carry. Texas Tech has 11 interceptions, though French has yet to throw one. If the Red Raiders can stop Cincinnati's run game, French will have to do more through the air.

Texas Tech vs Cincinnati Pick

• Texas Tech -10.5

Texas Tech has won its last three games by a combined 85 points, and Cincinnati's defense has given up 79 across its last two. Williams is averaging 7.3 yards per carry, giving the Red Raiders an option even when Hammond's passing game slows down. French can keep Cincinnati competitive, but Texas Tech has made more plays this season. The visitors will win and cover the 10.5-point spread on Saturday afternoon.

Texas Tech vs Cincinnati Over/Under Pick

• Over 56.5

Cincinnati just played a 45-42 game against West Virginia, while Texas Tech scored 53 against Arizona State. Both teams have running backs capable of turning gains into long touchdowns. French hasn't thrown an interception, and Williams is averaging more than seven yards per carry. Cincinnati's defense has allowed too many points to expect a quiet afternoon. Texas Tech and Cincinnati will combine to finish over the 56.5-point total on Saturday.