Texas Tech built one of college football’s most compelling stories in 2025. High-level donors poured unprecedented cash into the program, allowing the Red Raiders to assemble a roster Lubbock had never seen before.
The defense featured standout players like David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez from top to bottom. The offense had productive pieces despite being the team’s weaker unit.
Texas Tech rolled through the competition to claim a Big 12 title and the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance.
Now the Red Raiders are building on that foundation. They’ve landed a recruiting class and transfer portal haul that positions them for continued success.
But sometimes what makes or breaks a season comes down to schedule favorability. Texas Tech has been handed a gold mine of opportunity.
Schedule sets up perfectly for Red Raiders
The Red Raiders’ roster will overpower just about anyone else in the Big 12. That reality already makes them the overwhelming favorite to win the conference.
The schedule doesn’t feature many potential pitfalls. It’s almost certain Texas Tech will be playing in the Big 12 Championship Game in Arlington this December.
The nonconference slate should be manageable. Games against Abilene Christian, Oregon State, and Sam Houston should be easy wins for a roster this talented.
Conference play doesn’t get much tougher. Joey McGuire’s squad’s most difficult early-season test probably comes when Arizona State visits town on Oct. 17.
Beyond that game, there isn’t much that should worry Texas Tech.
Road trips to Cincinnati, Stillwater and Waco could theoretically create problems. But let’s be realistic about those matchups.
Cincinnati just lost its starting quarterback to Texas Tech’s portal recruiting. Oklahoma State’s roster essentially resembles 2025 North Texas. Baylor consistently appears on the brink of collapse.
None of those teams will have the firepower to take down the Red and Black.
The only late-season game that might cause trouble is the home matchup against TCU on Nov. 28. Even then, it’s unclear what state the Horned Frogs will be in at that point.
What is certain: Texas Tech will be humming with its money-fueled roster.
Big 12 title within reach
The Big 12 is Texas Tech’s to lose in 2026. The Red Raiders don’t have to play Utah or BYU, two of the conference’s best programs.
They get to host all their toughest opponents.
All of that adds up to the Red Raiders cruising to another CFP appearance. If that doesn’t happen, it would be the shock to end all shocks.
