Texas Tech is walking into 2026 with a target on its back, and Joey McGuire is leaning all the way into it.
After a 2025 season that ended with a 12-2 record, a Big 12 title over BYU and a College Football Playoff berth before a loss to Oregon in the Orange Bowl quarterfinal, the Red Raiders are no longer flying under the radar. McGuire, entering his fifth season in charge, says that’s exactly the kind of attention his team has earned.
“We’re the most hated team in college football. And I absolutely love it,” McGuire told his team, via On3’s Brett McMurphy.
The comments fit the mood around a program that has drawn plenty of outside criticism, whether it’s been the Brendan Sorsby controversy or the amount of NIL money tied to the roster. McGuire’s stance is simple: if Texas Tech is going to be talked about, he’d rather it be for being the villain than for trying to play nice.
He has plenty of recent success to point to. McGuire owns a 35-18 record at Texas Tech and has helped push the program into a much bigger spotlight heading into the 2026 season.
There will be a new face under center this fall. Behren Morton led the Red Raiders last season, but Will Hammond is set to take over as the starting quarterback after spending 2025 as Morton’s backup. Hammond threw for 680 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
Texas Tech opens the 2026 season on Sept. 5 against Abilene Christian. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on FS1.
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Will Hammond Is Giving Texas Tech A Reason To Believe Again
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McGuire has also been encouraged by the way Hammond is throwing the ball, especially given that he is still wearing a brace on his right knee. There is still plenty of camp left and plenty to sort out, but for a program looking for momentum and stability at the position, Hammonds return has given Texas Tech a reason to pay close attention. [Read more 🡒]
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