STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | Jan. 29, 2026 — College baseball’s Red River rivalry will take center stage in North Texas this spring, as the Frisco RoughRiders announced they will once again host a marquee NCAA matchup at Riders Field. The RoughRiders will welcome Oklahoma and Texas Tech for a non-conference showdown on Tuesday, April 28, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m., marking the second consecutive year the rivalry has been renewed in Frisco.
The event continues the RoughRiders’ growing tradition of bringing high-profile collegiate baseball to one of Minor League Baseball’s premier venues. Riders Field, home of the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, has increasingly become a destination for showcase matchups that blend elite competition with a fan-friendly atmosphere, and the Oklahoma–Texas Tech clash fits squarely into that vision.
The matchup brings together two programs with contrasting trajectories entering the 2026 season. Oklahoma arrives in Frisco looking to build on the momentum of a strong 2025 campaign that saw the Sooners post a 38–22 record and earn a berth in the Chappell Hill Regional. Oklahoma pushed host North Carolina to the brink, falling only in the regional’s final elimination game, a performance that underscored the program’s continued relevance on the national stage.
As the Sooners set their sights on a fifth consecutive NCAA regional appearance in 2026, they will be led by shortstop Jaxon Willits, the team’s top returning hitter. Willits provides stability at a premium defensive position and serves as the catalyst for an Oklahoma lineup that blends experience with emerging talent. His presence gives the Sooners a reliable anchor as they prepare for another challenging Big 12 slate and a high-profile non-conference test in Frisco.
On the opposite side, Texas Tech enters the 2026 season with a sense of urgency and opportunity. The Red Raiders are coming off a 20–33 campaign in 2025, a season that fell short of expectations for a program accustomed to postseason contention. However, optimism surrounds the Red Raiders as they look to turn the page and reestablish themselves as a regional contender.
A key reason for that optimism is the expected return of Logan Hughes, the Stetson transfer who emerged as one of the most dangerous power hitters in the Big 12 last season. Hughes led Texas Tech with 19 home runs while posting a .327 batting average, providing middle-of-the-order production that will again be central to the Red Raiders’ offensive identity. With Hughes anchoring the lineup, Texas Tech hopes to generate the consistency needed to push for its first NCAA regional appearance since 2023.
The April 28 matchup offers both programs a valuable measuring stick well before postseason play begins. For Oklahoma, it is an opportunity to reinforce its standing against a conference rival in a neutral-site environment. For Texas Tech, it represents a chance to make an early statement and build confidence against a proven opponent.
For the RoughRiders, hosting the game further cements Riders Field as a hub for elite baseball at every level. The organization has embraced opportunities to showcase collegiate, professional, and international baseball, creating a calendar of events that extends beyond the traditional Double-A season. By bringing Oklahoma and Texas Tech back to Frisco, the RoughRiders continue to strengthen their connection to the broader baseball community across Texas and the surrounding region.
Fans attending the game can expect a big-game atmosphere, with general admission tickets available for purchase. The setting provides college baseball supporters a unique chance to watch two storied programs compete under the lights in a professional ballpark, blending the energy of the college game with the amenities of a Minor League venue.
Tickets and additional information regarding the Oklahoma–Texas Tech matchup, as well as the Frisco RoughRiders’ upcoming season, are available at RidersBaseball.com or by calling 972-731-9200. As April approaches, Riders Field is set to once again become the stage for a rivalry renewed and a showcase worthy of college baseball’s spotlight.
