Texas elections shift college sports power

College athletics in Texas has long operated under the influence of a small group of wealthy donors who shape policy as much as they fund stadiums. That dynamic is under pressure following the 2026 state elections, which altered the political balance in Austin.

Cody Campbell, a billionaire oilman and former Texas Tech football player, has spent the last decade positioning himself as a central figure in the sport. In 2021, Governor Greg Abbott appointed Campbell to the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents. Four years later, Campbell became Chairman of the Board. He also serves on President Donald Trump's Council, which advises on stability and legal frameworks for college sports.

Campbell’s political connections have driven a specific legislative agenda. The Protect College Sports Act, supported by Senator Ted Cruz and other lawmakers, seeks to establish uniform rules for college athletics. The bill aims to preempt state-specific Name, Image, and Likeness laws and grants the NCAA limited antitrust protections. In exchange, the legislation caps the potential income for student-athletes.

The Senate passed the bill with a 77-22 vote. The measure now sits in the House of Representatives, where it faces a compressed schedule. The 120th Congress is set to be sworn in on January 3, 2027. The House has only 20 session days remaining on its published calendar, with the first scheduled for November 9.

Opposition to the bill has grown loud. The Congressional Black Caucus and the AFL-CIO have raised concerns about antitrust exemptions, unionization efforts, and the economic opportunities for student-athletes. Lawmakers face a difficult choice: rushing a vote before the new year risks defeat, while waiting for a Democratic-controlled Congress may result in the bill being shelved in favor of more progressive proposals.

The election results also changed the leadership landscape in Austin. Hinojosa, a former Austin ISD board president, won the governor's race. Her platform centered on public education and local control, signaling a shift away from conservative administrative changes. Brian Davis, a former UT-Austin spokesman, noted on X that university leaders would have "totally different bosses in Austin." He added that this change would "rock the Tower."

Campbell’s influence on Texas Tech football is unlikely to fade, but his method of exerting that influence may need to change. He and co-donor Dusty Womble have bankrolled the Red Raiders into a national contender. In December 2025, head football coach Joey McGuire told Rivals that having active donors on the Board of Regents provides the financial backing needed to compete. McGuire also praised Campbell’s appointment, stating that Campbell wears his passion for intercollegiate athletics on his sleeve.

Campbell has previously clashed with former Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark over sports issues, demonstrating a willingness to use both political and financial leverage to secure an advantage for his university. As the political tide shifts, his network of allies in Washington and Austin has lost some of its previous power.

Texas Tech officials and Campbell were not immediately available for comment on Wednesday. The next major test for the Protect College Sports Act will occur when the House convenes for its remaining sessions in late 2026.