The 2025 college football season is already building anticipation, and one matchup drawing significant attention is Texas Tech’s upcoming clash with UCF. For the Red Raiders, this isn’t just another game on the schedule—it’s an opportunity to defend a spotless record against the Knights. History is firmly on Texas Tech’s side in this series, but the question heading into the 2025 season is whether that dominance can be sustained, especially against a UCF program that’s steadily rising in stature since joining the Big 12.
Texas Tech’s historical edge over UCF may be limited in sample size but is nonetheless significant. In their previous meetings, the Red Raiders have come out on top each time, including a hard-fought 24–23 victory in 2023 that highlighted the competitive tension between the two teams. That win was more than just a number in the win column—it sealed Texas Tech’s bowl eligibility that year and symbolized their grit under pressure. The Red Raiders leveraged a powerful defensive performance and just enough offensive execution to outlast the Knights in a game that could’ve gone either way.
The Red Raiders’ program has seen its share of highs and lows over the decades, but under head coach Joey McGuire, there’s a palpable sense of momentum. Known for his energy, recruiting tenacity, and aggressive style of play, McGuire has infused the Texas Tech program with belief and swagger. Since taking over in 2022, he’s made it clear that the Red Raiders aren’t content with mediocrity. Every game, especially within the conference, is treated as an opportunity to stake a bigger claim in the college football hierarchy.
UCF, on the other hand, is still adjusting to the challenges of Big 12 competition. The Knights have a proud football tradition, especially stemming from their undefeated 2017 season, which ended with a self-declared national championship. Their entry into the Big 12 was a bold move that signaled ambition, and though the transition hasn’t been flawless, the program has shown flashes of brilliance that make them a dangerous opponent for anyone—Texas Tech included.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Red Raiders will need to bring their A-game if they want to preserve their unbeaten streak against the Knights. UCF has been busy reloading and refining their roster. Head coach Gus Malzahn, a seasoned strategist with SEC experience, continues to build a fast, high-octane team that reflects his offensive philosophy. With the right pieces in place, UCF can catch any team off guard, and Texas Tech won’t be immune to that threat.
The keys for Texas Tech in 2025 will likely revolve around quarterback consistency, offensive line cohesion, and the continued evolution of their defense. Last season, the Red Raiders struggled with injuries at the quarterback position, which hampered their rhythm and explosiveness. If they can keep their signal-caller healthy and maintain a strong running game to balance their air attack, they’ll be in excellent shape offensively.
Defensively, the Red Raiders have been a tough, physical team under McGuire’s guidance. Their ability to pressure the quarterback, disrupt passing lanes, and stop the run will be critical in containing UCF’s dynamic playmakers. The Knights love to spread the field, go uptempo, and put defenses in uncomfortable positions. Texas Tech will need to play disciplined, assignment-sound football to slow them down.
On the other side, UCF’s hopes will hinge on how well they can execute their offensive identity in a hostile environment. Playing in Lubbock is no easy task—Jones AT\&T Stadium is known for its raucous crowd and wild atmosphere. If UCF can start fast, silence the crowd early, and control the tempo, they may have a shot at flipping the narrative and earning their first win over the Red Raiders.
Another key factor that cannot be overlooked is recruiting and player development. Both Texas Tech and UCF have been aggressive on the recruiting trail, targeting high-upside talent from Texas, Florida, and beyond. By 2025, many of those younger players from recent classes will be expected to step into prominent roles. Depth will be tested, and the more battle-tested roster may very well have the edge in the final minutes of what promises to be a tightly contested game.
Turnovers, special teams, and late-game decision-making will also play massive roles in determining the outcome. Close games are often decided by the smallest of margins, and both programs know that all too well. One mistake can swing momentum completely. Texas Tech’s coaching staff has emphasized attention to detail and situational awareness—traits that could pay huge dividends in a matchup with this level of importance.
From a broader perspective, this game represents more than just a chance to stay undefeated against a particular opponent. For Texas Tech, it’s about asserting themselves as a perennial Big 12 contender and furthering their quest for national relevance. Every conference win matters in the larger pursuit of a championship game berth and potentially a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff. Dropping a game to UCF—despite the Knights’ talent—would be seen as a setback.
For UCF, beating Texas Tech would be a breakthrough moment. It would prove they can go toe-to-toe with the Big 12’s most physical teams and come out on top. It would be a signature win for Malzahn and a statement to recruits that the program is capable of winning big games on the road in one of the toughest environments in the conference.
Ultimately, whether Texas Tech remains unbeaten against UCF in 2025 may come down to execution and mentality. The Red Raiders have the historical advantage, the home field, and a coach who has built a culture of belief. But history alone doesn’t win football games. The UCF Knights are hungry, talented, and evolving—and they’ve got every reason to believe that this could be the year they flip the script.
One thing is for sure: the stakes will be high, the lights will be bright, and when these two teams collide, fans can expect fireworks. Texas Tech’s streak is on the line, and UCF is aiming to end it in dramatic fashion. Will the Red Raiders defend their perfect record, or will the Knights finally break through? That answer will have to wait until kickoff in 2025, but the buildup is already electric—and the implications could echo long beyond the final whistle.
