Texas Tech Fans Rally Behind Regent in Big 12 Scheduling Dispute

Cody Campbell criticizes conference commissioner Brett Yormark over Friday night game against Houston

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:36am

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Texas Tech football fans are largely backing Cody Campbell, the chairman of the university's Board of Regents, in his public disagreement with Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark over the scheduling of the Red Raiders' game against the Houston Cougars on a Friday night. Campbell has been vocal in his criticism of the decision, arguing that it conflicts with the popularity of high school football in Texas, while Yormark has pushed back, stating that Campbell does not run the conference.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the tensions between Texas Tech and the Big 12 leadership, with some fans suggesting the conference's decisions no longer align with the university's interests. The scheduling of the Houston game on a Friday night is seen by many Red Raider supporters as detrimental to attendance and TV ratings, raising questions about the conference's priorities.

The details

The bulk of the disagreement centers around the Big 12's decision to schedule Texas Tech's matchup with the Houston Cougars on a Friday night. Campbell, who is a prominent Texas Tech booster and the chairman of the university's Board of Regents, has been critical of this move, arguing that it conflicts with the importance of high school football in the state. Yormark, the Big 12 commissioner, has pushed back, stating that Campbell does not run the conference and that the decision was made with the best interests of the league in mind.

  • The dispute between Campbell and Yormark began in early April 2026.
  • The Texas Tech-Houston game is scheduled for a Friday night in the 2026 season.

The players

Cody Campbell

The chairman of the Texas Tech Board of Regents and a prominent booster of the university's football program.

Brett Yormark

The commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, who is responsible for the scheduling decisions that have drawn criticism from Campbell.

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What they’re saying

“As commissioner, he needs to remember that he works for the Presidents, and the Presidents work for the Boards. He is not the dictator of the conference. That's not his role. It is his responsibility to advocate for his members in all cases.”

— Cody Campbell, Texas Tech Board of Regents Chairman

“Cody Campbell does not run the Big 12.”

— Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner

What’s next

The dispute between Campbell and Yormark is expected to continue to be a topic of discussion leading up to the 2026 Big 12 football season, with fans and media closely following the ongoing back-and-forth between the two sides.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between some Texas Tech supporters and the Big 12 leadership, with the scheduling of the Houston game on a Friday night seen by many Red Raider fans as a decision that does not prioritize their program's interests. The outcome of this disagreement could have broader implications for the relationship between Texas Tech and the conference.