The 2025 season was a statement year for Texas Tech football-a bold, money-backed declaration that the Red Raiders are no longer content with being a middle-of-the-pack program. Fueled by a wave of donor dollars and a roster overhaul that brought in elite talent on both sides of the ball, Texas Tech didn’t just compete in the Big 12-they dominated it.
The defense, headlined by playmakers like David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez, set the tone all year, while the offense, though not elite, did more than enough to keep the Red Raiders rolling. The result?
A Big 12 title and the program’s first-ever trip to the College Football Playoff.
But in college football, momentum is only as good as your ability to sustain it. And in Lubbock, the next chapter is already being written.
A Reload, Not a Rebuild
The Red Raiders aren’t just riding the high from last season-they’re doubling down. A top-tier recruiting class and a transfer portal haul that would make any coach jealous have positioned Texas Tech to keep the good times rolling. The roster is stacked, the culture is clicking, and the expectation is clear: win, and keep winning.
But even with a loaded depth chart, sometimes the biggest difference-maker in a season isn’t talent-it’s timing. And when you look at Texas Tech’s 2026 schedule, it’s hard not to feel like the stars are aligning for another run at the top.
A Schedule Set Up for Success
Let’s start with the nonconference slate. Abilene Christian, Oregon State, and Sam Houston are up first-and for a team with Texas Tech’s firepower, those games should serve more as tune-ups than true tests. It’s the kind of start that lets a team build confidence, iron out wrinkles, and hit conference play at full speed.
And once Big 12 action begins, the road doesn’t get much rougher. Arizona State comes to Lubbock on October 17 in what might be the most challenging early matchup, but even that feels manageable given the Red Raiders’ home-field advantage and overall talent edge.
Trips to Cincinnati, Stillwater, and Waco are on the docket, but none of those programs look like they’re in position to pull off a major upset. Cincinnati, in fact, just lost its starting quarterback-who’s now wearing Red and Black-thanks to Texas Tech’s aggressive portal strategy.
Oklahoma State’s roster looks more like a rebranded version of 2025 North Texas, and Baylor continues to flirt with dysfunction. All three are road games, yes, but none should strike fear into a team with championship aspirations.
The One to Watch
If there’s a potential trap game, it’s probably the regular-season finale against TCU on November 28. That matchup could carry major implications depending on how the Horned Frogs’ season unfolds. But with the game in Lubbock and the Red Raiders firing on all cylinders, Texas Tech should be in the driver’s seat.
Big 12 Title: Theirs to Lose
Here’s the bottom line: Texas Tech doesn’t face Utah or BYU-two of the toughest teams in the conference-and they get to host their biggest threats. That’s a dream scenario for any contender, and it puts the Red Raiders in prime position to repeat as Big 12 champs and punch another ticket to the College Football Playoff.
With a roster built to bully and a schedule that plays right into their hands, the Red Raiders have everything lined up for another special season. If they fall short, it won’t be because the path wasn’t clear-it’ll be because something went wildly off script. But right now, all signs point toward Texas Tech staying right on track.