A splashy USC–Texas Tech home-and-home may be off the board before either side ever signs the paperwork. The proposed setup reportedly called for neutral-site games in Houston in 2027 and Las Vegas in 2028, but the talks have now stalled and the matchup is being described as dead.
That matters because Texas Tech still has an opening for a marquee nonconference opponent in 2027 after previously losing scheduled dates with N.C. State and North Texas. The Red Raiders have already added New Mexico, but their athletic department has been clear that it wants a Power Four opponent to fill the remaining slot. USC, meanwhile, is navigating a Big Ten schedule and weighing whether neutral-site games deliver enough money, recruiting value, and playoff juice.
The speculation is that the Trojans preferred the visibility of Houston and Las Vegas only if the financial structure made sense. Texas Tech would have offered a high-profile opponent with plenty of regional heat, but USC may now be looking for a cleaner payday or a game that better strengthens its College Football Playoff résumé.
Nothing has been formally announced, and this was a potential series rather than a signed contract. Still, the timing is notable: Texas Tech is searching for a power-conference replacement, while USC’s 2027 nonconference plans could suddenly have another opening. If the series truly collapses, expect both programs to move quickly before the schedule market gets picked clean. )