It has been a long and often painful wait for Texas Tech football fans. Since their last 10-win season and top-tier bowl appearance in 2008, the Red Raiders have endured nearly two decades of frustration, rebuilding phases, and unfulfilled potential. Now, heading into the 2025 college football season, optimism is brewing in Lubbock like never before. With a maturing core, a solid recruiting pipeline, and the steady leadership of head coach Joey McGuire, Texas Tech appears poised to finally end the 17-year drought that has haunted the program.
The anticipation for a breakout season is not just a product of wishful thinking. The Red Raiders have been quietly building something special over the last few years. Since taking over in 2022, McGuire has instilled a new level of accountability, toughness, and energy. After two solid seasons that culminated in bowl appearances and incremental progress, the 2024 campaign ended with an 8–5 record and a bowl win—offering a springboard for what could be a program-defining 2025 season.
At the heart of the optimism is the quarterback position, which has long been the engine of Texas Tech’s identity. Junior quarterback Jake Strong returns after a breakout sophomore year in which he threw for 3,400 yards and 27 touchdowns, showing poise beyond his years. Strong’s chemistry with an explosive wide receiver corps, led by senior Jerand Bradley and sophomore phenom Kaden Carr, makes the Red Raiders’ offense one of the most dangerous in the Big 12.
Equally important is the development of the offensive line. After years of inconsistency, Tech’s front five is now a position of strength, anchored by All-Big 12 left tackle Monroe Mills and veteran center Sheridan Wilson. The unit’s cohesion and size have given Strong the protection to operate efficiently and should pave the way for a more consistent rushing attack led by sophomore running back Cameron Valdez, who is coming off a 1,000-yard campaign in 2024.
On defense, Texas Tech has turned a corner under defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. The 2024 defense finished among the top three in the Big 12 in takeaways and sacks, thanks to a ferocious front seven and opportunistic secondary. Senior linebacker Jesiah Pierre returns as the defensive leader, bringing a mix of veteran savvy and athleticism. Meanwhile, sophomore edge rusher Trey Moore is on many NFL scouts’ radars after a monster freshman year with 10 sacks.
The secondary, once a liability, now features real talent and depth. Cornerbacks Malik Dunlap and Kobee Minor bring length and experience, while sophomore safety Brenden Jordan emerged as a ball hawk last season with five interceptions. With these pieces in place, Tech’s defense is expected to be not just competent—but potentially elite.
But beyond the X’s and O’s, what sets the 2025 Red Raiders apart is belief. For years, Texas Tech has been a program caught between eras—still clinging to the air-raid identity of the Mike Leach days, yet unable to redefine itself in the modern game. McGuire has done more than just recruit talent—he’s rebuilt the culture. Players believe. Fans believe. And, perhaps most importantly, the locker room exudes a confidence that has been absent for far too long.
This newfound belief is fueled by more than internal ambition. Texas Tech’s 2025 schedule is both challenging and opportunity-laden. With high-profile home games against Texas A&M and Arizona State, and road trips to Oklahoma State and Baylor, the Red Raiders will have ample chances to make statements on a national scale. If they can navigate the early season stretch and come out with a strong start, momentum could carry them deep into conference play with a legitimate shot at a Big 12 title game appearance.
Another significant factor is the continued evolution of the Big 12 itself. With Texas and Oklahoma now competing in the SEC, the conference landscape has become more balanced. Programs like Kansas State, Utah, and UCF are strong, but there’s no clear juggernaut. In this parity-driven environment, Texas Tech finds itself in a position to capitalize—no longer overshadowed by blueblood giants.
Recruiting has also taken a major leap. The 2024 class was ranked 18th nationally, the highest for the program in over a decade. The 2025 class, headlined by four-star quarterback commit Micah Hudson and elite linebacker Owen Rodgers, is shaping up to be just as promising. McGuire’s Texas high school ties continue to pay dividends, allowing Tech to compete with larger programs for top talent in a way that hasn’t happened consistently since the Leach era.
Off the field, there’s momentum as well. The $200 million renovation of Jones AT&T Stadium is nearing completion, giving the Red Raiders one of the most modern facilities in the country. Combined with fan support that consistently ranks among the Big 12’s best, the environment in Lubbock is turning into a true recruiting and competitive advantage.
Still, the road to breaking a 17-year drought will not be easy. The ghosts of missed opportunities and coaching turnover still linger. There have been moments of promise in the past—flashy upsets, surprising seasons—but sustainability has always eluded Tech. That’s what makes this 2025 campaign so vital. It’s not just about one good season; it’s about proving that Texas Tech belongs in the national conversation again, year after year.
Leadership will be tested, especially in close games and tough environments. Discipline, health, and execution in crunch time—areas where Tech has faltered in the past—will need to be strengths this time around. But if the offseason is any indication, this team is embracing those expectations rather than shying away from them.
For fans who have waited nearly two decades for relevance to return, 2025 feels different. Not because of hype or headlines, but because of substance. There’s a depth of talent, a unity of purpose, and a clarity of identity that Texas Tech hasn’t had in years. The pieces are in place. The hunger is real. And if things break the right way, the Red Raiders could not only end the drought—but usher in a new era of success.
As kickoff draws near, all eyes will be on Lubbock. Can the Red Raiders turn potential into performance? Will 2025 be the year they finally silence the doubters and reclaim their place in the college football spotlight?
Only time will tell—but for the first time in a long time, Texas Tech fans don’t just hope for a breakthrough.
They expect it.
