When discussions begin about college football powerhouses, most minds immediately dart to perennial programs like Alabama, Georgia, or Ohio State. Rarely does the conversation pivot toward Texas Tech. The Red Raiders have long been known for their offensive flair, air raid concepts, and shootout-style games in the Big 12. However, something remarkable is happening in Lubbock, Texas—something that hasn’t been whispered about since the early 2000s. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Texas Tech is poised to field a top-10 defense in the country this coming season. It’s a statement that, on the surface, seems wildly out of place for a team historically maligned for its defensive woes. But dig deeper, and the forecast from PFF starts to feel less like a hot take and more like a calculated prediction grounded in data, development, and design.
It’s important to begin by understanding the roots of Texas Tech’s defensive evolution. Defense has not always been the program’s calling card. Under the likes of Mike Leach and Kliff Kingsbury, the Red Raiders leaned heavily on their high-octane offenses to outscore opponents, often at the expense of their own defense. For years, defensive coordinators came and went, unable to construct a consistent unit to balance out the team’s explosive scoring. But the tides began to shift in recent years under the leadership of head coach Joey McGuire and defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter.
Joey McGuire, hired in 2021, brought with him a deep understanding of Texas high school football and a cultural edge that reinvigorated the Red Raiders’ recruiting and player development. He immediately established a defensive identity built around toughness, aggression, and accountability. The foundation for a competent, if not elite, defense was laid. But to credit McGuire alone would be incomplete without recognizing the instrumental role Tim DeRuyter has played.
Tim DeRuyter is no stranger to elite defenses. His résumé includes successful stints as a defensive coordinator at Texas A&M, Cal, and most notably, Oregon, where his schemes helped elevate the Ducks’ defense into a formidable unit. Known for his multiple 3-4 looks, creative blitz packages, and adaptive coverage schemes, DeRuyter has long been a master of maximizing talent—even when he doesn’t have blue-chip recruits at his disposal. His second year in Lubbock has shown what his coaching acumen can do when paired with buy-in from players and athleticism across the depth chart.
So what makes PFF so confident in Texas Tech’s rise up the defensive rankings? First, it starts with returning production. According to PFF’s data, the Red Raiders are bringing back one of the most experienced defensive units in the country. That includes playmakers on all three levels. On the defensive line, standout linemen such as Myles Cole and E’Maurion Banks return to anchor a disruptive front. Cole, in particular, had a breakout season last year, showcasing elite length, quickness off the snap, and a motor that rarely stops. Banks provides the power presence inside, often eating double teams and freeing up linebackers to make plays.
Speaking of linebackers, this might be the group that gives Texas Tech the edge to be elite. The Red Raiders’ linebacking corps is among the most athletic and versatile in the Big 12, led by senior Jesiah Pierre and transfer addition Steve Linton from Syracuse. Pierre is the definition of a Swiss Army knife—able to rush off the edge, drop into coverage, and fill running lanes with authority. Linton, on the other hand, brings freakish athleticism and a long frame that’s perfect for DeRuyter’s hybrid EDGE roles. Their ability to both contain mobile quarterbacks and disrupt passing lanes adds a dynamic layer to the unit.
The secondary has also undergone a transformation, both in terms of talent and mentality. Defensive backs like Malik Dunlap and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson form the nucleus of a veteran-laden backfield that doesn’t shy away from contact. Taylor-Demerson, in particular, has emerged as one of the best safeties in the conference—boasting elite instincts, great range, and a nose for the football. Dunlap, a transfer from NC State, has added size and physicality to the cornerback position, often matched up against opponents’ top receivers.
PFF’s grading system—which factors in individual performance on a play-by-play basis rather than raw statistics—has been especially high on Texas Tech’s ability to win in key moments. Whether it’s getting off the field on third down, creating turnovers in critical spots, or executing exotic blitzes with precision, this Red Raider defense has shown they’re capable of meeting the moment. In fact, the defense ranked among the top 15 nationally last season in pressure rate and red-zone efficiency, signs that they’re not just compiling garbage-time stats but making meaningful contributions that change games.
But great defenses aren’t just about having experienced players—they’re about cohesion. And Texas Tech’s defenders aren’t just talented; they’ve bought into a collective identity. It’s not just about one guy getting a sack or a pick—it’s about the entire unit moving as one. That’s where culture comes into play, and Joey McGuire has built something unique. His “Brand” mantra—built on toughness, discipline, and competition—has resonated with players on both sides of the ball but has especially galvanized the defense. Practices are intense, meetings are detail-driven, and every rep is treated like it’s game day. That kind of internal accountability translates into situational excellence on Saturdays.
Let’s not overlook the role of strength and conditioning. The arrival of strength coach Lance Barilow has also been instrumental. A former Army and Baylor S&C coach, Barilow emphasizes explosive power and injury prevention. The result? A team that doesn’t fade in the fourth quarter. Conditioning isn’t often highlighted in rankings, but it’s pivotal in determining whether your defense can hold up against up-tempo offenses that test depth and discipline.
Recruiting, of course, is the lifeblood of any successful defense, and Texas Tech is finally building depth on defense through quality recruiting. In previous years, the Red Raiders had to lean on undersized linebackers or converted safeties to fill starting roles. Not anymore. Texas Tech has prioritized size, speed, and versatility in its defensive recruiting, landing blue-chip caliber talent like Isaiah Crawford and Brendan Jordan—players who might not have started immediately but have the ceiling to be All-Big 12 performers. And perhaps most importantly, the team is finally developing players instead of just plugging holes with transfers.
That said, the transfer portal has still been a blessing for Texas Tech in targeted ways. They aren’t just grabbing players to fill gaps; they’re selecting athletes who fit DeRuyter’s system like a glove. Steve Linton, mentioned earlier, is a prime example. So is C.J. Baskerville, a safety/linebacker hybrid who transferred from San Diego State. Baskerville brings range and tackling efficiency that adds another layer to Texas Tech’s ability to disguise coverages and blitzes.
Schematically, DeRuyter’s system deserves deeper praise. It’s one thing to be aggressive; it’s another to be smart about it. His pressure packages are not reckless—each blitz is calculated, often designed to bait the offensive line into protection mismatches. He loves to overload one side pre-snap, then drop a rusher into coverage while bringing someone from the blind side. Quarterbacks are often left guessing, and more often than not, they guess wrong. Combine that with deceptive zone coverages and pattern-matching principles, and it’s easy to see why PFF is bullish on this group.
So what are the potential pitfalls? Injuries and depth remain the two largest concerns. While Texas Tech is deeper than it’s been in a decade, it still lacks the five-star, plug-and-play backups of the SEC’s elite. A couple of injuries at key spots—especially in the secondary—could expose weaknesses that DeRuyter’s scheme currently masks. Additionally, the Big 12 remains a conference where even a great defense can get torched if communication breaks down. The likes of Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and even a surging Houston offense will test Texas Tech’s discipline in space.
Moreover, the schedule won’t be kind. The Red Raiders face a gauntlet of offenses that vary wildly in style. One week it’s a triple-option-style run game, the next it’s a spread offense with four receivers. Versatility and adaptability will be key, and the defense must avoid midseason fatigue—especially during road stretches.
Yet, even with those caveats, there is a growing consensus—not just from PFF, but from insiders, analysts, and rival coaches—that this is the best defense Texas Tech has fielded since its 2008 run. That year, the Red Raiders rode their offense to national relevance. This year, it could be the defense’s turn to carry the mantle.
One of the more underrated aspects of this defense’s ascension is its impact on the rest of the team. With a defense capable of holding opponents under 25 points per game, the offense doesn’t feel pressured to score 40 just to have a chance. That balance creates a more complete football team—one that can win in multiple ways. Texas Tech no longer has to rely solely on tempo or 50-yard bombs to swing momentum. Sometimes, a well-timed sack or a fourth-down stop does the trick just as well.
In closing, what we’re seeing in Lubbock is not just a statistical anomaly or a one-year wonder. It’s the result of calculated planning, strong leadership, elite coaching, and player development. PFF’s prediction that Texas Tech could finish with a top-10 defense isn’t based on a hunch—it’s based on hundreds of hours of tape, advanced metrics, and a growing respect for what’s being built behind the scenes.
Texas Tech fans have every reason to be excited. In an era dominated by offense, it’s rare to see a program like Tech pivot so successfully toward defensive excellence. And if this defense stays healthy and performs to its potential, don’t be surprised if the Red Raiders not only break into the top 10 in defensive rankings—but also make serious noise in the Big 12 title race. Defense wins championships, they say. And for the first time in a long time, Texas Tech might just be in that conversation.
