Texas Tech is no stranger to bold moves, but what the Red Raiders have pulled off in 2025 is something else entirely. Once a middling program on the national radar, Texas Tech has surged into the college football elite-powered by a mix of vision, investment, and execution that’s turned heads across the sport. Now, as they prepare to face Oregon in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day, they’re not just playing for a shot at a national title-they’re putting an entire model to the test.
Let’s start with the big picture: Texas Tech didn’t stumble into the College Football Playoff. They earned it.
Dominating Big 12 play and securing a first-round bye, the Red Raiders didn’t just win-they imposed their will. This isn’t a Cinderella story.
It’s the result of a calculated, four-year plan that’s now reaching its apex.
The foundation was laid back in November 2021, when Joey McGuire took over as head coach. At the time, the program was searching for direction.
What McGuire and his team brought wasn’t just energy-it was a blueprint. They didn’t just want to compete; they wanted to build something sustainable, something that could stand toe-to-toe with the sport’s bluebloods.
And they had help. Cody Campbell, the program’s high-profile donor, has become a central figure in Texas Tech’s rise.
His financial backing helped launch the “Maverick” NIL initiative, giving the Red Raiders a serious edge in recruiting and retention. But money alone doesn’t win games.
That’s where general manager James Blanchard comes in. Known for his aggressive talent acquisition strategies, Blanchard has helped construct one of the most skilled and balanced rosters in the country-blending high-upside recruits with proven transfers.
The result? A team that’s not just talented, but cohesive.
Every piece fits. Every move has been deliberate.
Texas Tech’s approach has also made them a case study in the evolving landscape of college football. With NIL and revenue-sharing reshaping the sport, the Red Raiders have leaned in-hard.
They’re not just adapting to the new era; they’re helping define it. The roster is filled with players who were drawn to a program that not only offers competitive football, but also a competitive financial structure.
And under McGuire’s leadership, they’ve bought in completely.
Now, the stage is set. The Orange Bowl against Oregon isn’t just a playoff game-it’s a proving ground.
It’s where Texas Tech’s four-year experiment meets the highest level of competition. And if they keep playing the way they have all season, they’re not just a threat to win it all-they’re a sign of where college football is headed.
This isn’t just about one season or one team. It’s about what’s possible when vision, resources, and execution align. Texas Tech has built something real in West Texas-and the rest of the country is finally paying attention.