The Ole Miss Rebels announced Friday that they would open the 2018 season against Texas Tech in the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game is expected to be played on Saturday, September 1.

This matchup was first reported in August of 2016, but now it’s official.

“We are excited to be part of this great event and play a tradition-rich opponent like Texas Tech,” said Ross Bjork, Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics, said in a statement. “In our scheduling process, we seek out marquee matchups at premier venues, and this is a tremendous opportunity to showcase our program on a grand stage. Houston and the state of Texas have become quite the hot bed for Rebel Nation, and we know our fans will continue our stellar reputation of supporting our team and filling up NRG Stadium.”

Ole Miss is 3-2 all-time against the Red Raiders, with the most recent victory coming in the 2009 Cotton Bowl 47-34.

“The AdvoCare Texas Kickoff has become a premier Labor Day weekend college football tradition, and we are thrilled to have extended this partnership with AdvoCare through 2020,” said Jamey Rootes, President of the Houston Texans and Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. “We look forward to welcoming the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Ole Miss Rebels and their respective passionate fan bases to NRG Stadium in Houston for the 2018 edition of the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff, signifying the start of the college football season.”

In addition to Texas Tech, the Rebels will play Southern Illinois, Kent State and ULM in 2018. The Red Raiders satisfy the Rebels’ strength of schedule mandate for 2018.