Texas Tech enters the 2026-2027 season with plenty of buzz, but the AP preseason poll didn’t fully match the temperature around the program. The Red Raiders landed at No. 19, a spot that sits below what a lot of fans around Lubbock probably had in mind after looking at the roster Grant McCasland has assembled.
There’s a lot to like about this group on paper. Texas Tech brings back Donovan Atwell and Josiah Moseley, and JT Toppin is expected to return once he’s cleared from his injury. The Red Raiders also loaded up through the transfer portal and the 2026 freshman class, giving them a mix of returning production and fresh firepower.
The backcourt looks especially dangerous. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn arrives from UNLV after averaging 20 points per game, while Cruz Davis comes in as another high-end scoring guard after helping Hofstra reach the NCAA tournament last season.
Texas Tech also added depth with Damarion Dennis, who transferred in from Wyoming, and Bassala Bagayoko, an international prospect from Mali. On top of that, the Red Raiders managed to bring back Darrion Williams after his one-year stop at NC State.
That kind of roster gives Texas Tech a real chance to contend in the Big 12 and make noise in March. The blend of offensive and defensive starters, plus the supporting cast, gives this team a solid foundation.
Still, one important piece remains unsettled. UCF transfer Jamichael Stillwell is still waiting on eligibility clearance, and if he isn’t available, the frontcourt becomes a lot thinner than Texas Tech would prefer, especially while Toppin is sidelined.
So while the AP slotted the Red Raiders at No. 19, there’s an argument that this team belongs closer to the top 15. Texas Tech will get its first chance to back that up on October 23rd, when it plays its first public exhibition game against Kentucky in Lexington before the season officially begins on November 2nd.
For now, the ranking is just a starting point. The AP poll matters as a snapshot, but the real measuring stick comes later on Selection Sunday, when the NCAA Tournament Committee makes the final call. A place in the Top 20 or Top 25 would still signal a team in strong position for a high seed and a shot at a deep run.
In Other News...
BYU Just Added A New Threat To Its Big 12 Push
The Big 12 race has tightened at the midpoint, and the league still has three unbeaten teams left standing in conference and overall play. BYU has been one of the surprises of the season, and its win over Notre Dame only added to the sense that the Cougars are for real even while dealing with injuries. Houston also kept itself in the mix behind Conner Weigmans passing, while Texas Techs offense has shown signs of improvement as the Red Raiders try to stay relevant in a crowded race.
For Tech, the bigger picture is that the league has started to separate a little, with some teams climbing and others leaking ground fast. Oklahoma State, Baylor and Arizona State have all been hurt by recent losses and defensive issues, which only raises the stakes for every conference weekend from here. The Red Raiders still have room to push upward, but with BYU, Houston and the other contenders setting the pace, there is less margin for error than ever. [Read more 🡒]
Texas Tech Could Catch A Break In Cincinnatis Ground Game
Cincinnatis rushing plan could look a little different against Texas Tech if GiBran Payne cannot go. The Bearcats running back is listed as questionable because of an ankle injury he picked up last week, and his status matters because he has been a key piece of their ground attack.
Cole Tabb and JC French IV have also done their part to keep Cincinnatis run game moving this season, so the Bearcats are not short on options. Still, Paynes availability is worth watching closely for Texas Tech, which would no doubt welcome any disruption to a ground game that has helped set Cincinnatis offensive tone. [Read more 🡒]
Texas Techs JT Toppin Update Brings Hope And One Big Wait
JT Toppins recovery has given Texas Tech a reason to feel better about the weeks ahead, even if the wait is not over yet. Head coach Grant McCasland said the forward is ahead of schedule after his injury, a positive sign for a Red Raiders team that could use his presence as the season moves along. There is still a long way to go before he is back on the court, but the update at least points in the right direction.
McCasland also noted that Toppin would have redshirted this season if not for the NCAAs 5-for-5 eligibility rule, which keeps the door open for him to contribute later on. Texas Tech is expecting him to return sometime during the season, and his eventual availability could change the outlook in a meaningful way. For now, though, the Red Raiders are left watching his progress and waiting for the next step. [Read more 🡒]