The 2025 college football season is officially in the books, and when the dust settled, one team in the Lone Star State stood tallest: Texas Tech. According to the final AP Top 25 poll, the Red Raiders finished the year as the highest-ranked team in Texas - a milestone moment that speaks volumes about the program’s trajectory under head coach Joey McGuire.
Texas Tech: Best in Texas, By the Numbers
The Red Raiders landed at No. 7 in the final AP rankings, edging out in-state rivals Texas A&M (No. 8), Texas (No.
12), Houston (No. 22), North Texas (No. 24), and TCU (No.
25). That’s not just a win for Texas Tech - that’s a statement.
In a state where football borders on religion and competition is fierce at every level, finishing as the top-ranked program is no small feat.
And let’s be clear: this wasn’t just about where they landed in the polls. Texas Tech earned that ranking with a 12-win season - a campaign that included high-stakes victories, gritty performances, and a level of consistency that’s been elusive for the program in recent years.
Sure, the season didn’t end quite the way McGuire and company would’ve drawn it up. There were a couple of tough losses, and the finale may have left a bit of a sour taste.
But zoom out, and it’s hard not to see 2025 as a major win for the Red Raiders. This team didn’t just compete - it climbed, and it did so in one of the most competitive football states in the country.
A Turning Point for the Program
What makes this even more compelling is the context. Texas Tech hasn’t always been a mainstay in the national conversation.
There have been flashes - think Mike Leach’s high-flying offenses or the electric play of Patrick Mahomes - but sustained success has been tougher to come by. That’s what makes this season feel different.
McGuire has injected new life into the program, and it’s showing up not just on Saturdays, but on the recruiting trail. The Red Raiders are winning battles for top talent, both out of high school and through the increasingly vital transfer portal. That’s the kind of momentum that builds lasting success.
It’s not just about being good for one season - it’s about building a foundation. And right now, Texas Tech looks like a program that’s doing just that. They’re stacking wins, stacking talent, and stacking respect nationally.
Looking Ahead
There’s still work to be done. The bar has been raised, and expectations will follow.
But for now, Texas Tech can take a well-earned victory lap. Finishing as the top-ranked team in Texas is more than a bragging right - it’s a reflection of a program that’s turning the corner and starting to punch above its historical weight.
If the Red Raiders can keep this momentum rolling, they won’t just be the best team in Texas - they’ll be a team the rest of the country has to take seriously, week in and week out.