(BCSNN) — Texas Tech Football is still the reigning Big 12 champion, but the Red Raiders have some other things to focus on as they look ahead. Tech is back on the hunt for 2027 non-conference opponents after two scheduled games were canceled, the school announced.

NC State exercised a buyout clause in its home‑and‑home agreement with the Red Raiders, citing changes to the Atlantic Coast Conference’s football scheduling model. The Wolfpack were slated to visit Lubbock in 2027 after defeating Tech in Raleigh in 2022.

With the loss of that home game, Texas Tech canceled its own 2027 road matchup at North Texas, creating two open dates on the Red Raiders’ future schedule.

Athletic director Kirby Hocutt said the program is already working to secure replacements.

“We expect to finalize new agreements soon with a Power Conference opponent and an FBS program,” Hocutt said, noting that the school intends to maintain a competitive nonconference slate befitting a Big 12 champion.

The ripple effects extend beyond Lubbock. North Texas will now travel to TCU on the second weekend of the 2027 season. The Horned Frogs had an opening after Stanford, also citing ACC scheduling changes, canceled its own contract with TCU.

The ACC’s shift to a nine‑game conference schedule and a requirement that teams play at least 10 Power Four opponents has forced several schools to adjust future nonconference plans. NC State already has a 2027 home game scheduled against Kansas State, satisfying its new P4 requirement.

For Texas Tech, the cancellations create short‑term uncertainty but also opportunity. As a program coming off a conference title and a College Football Playoff appearance, the Red Raiders are positioned to attract high‑profile matchups as they rebuild their 2027 slate