The Texas Tech Red Raiders are officially going Hollywood. In a groundbreaking development that merges the worlds of college athletics, entertainment, and institutional pride, Lawrence Schovanec, President of Texas Tech University, has signed an \$11.5 million deal with Netflix for the production of a film centered on the legacy, culture, and relentless grit of the Red Raiders. It’s a landmark moment not only for Texas Tech but also for the broader landscape of college sports media.
This unprecedented partnership places Texas Tech at the epicenter of a cultural renaissance that is redefining how college athletics are portrayed in the modern era. For decades, programs such as Alabama, Notre Dame, and Michigan have dominated the national narrative, frequently appearing in films, documentaries, and prime-time specials. Now, it’s Texas Tech’s turn to step into the limelight, with Netflix—one of the world’s most influential streaming platforms—eager to showcase the story of a program that has long been underestimated but never ignored.
Lawrence Schovanec, whose tenure as president has been defined by ambitious visions and bold moves, is once again proving that he’s not content to simply manage the status quo. With the Netflix deal, Schovanec has ensured that Texas Tech will have a megaphone unlike any it’s ever had before. This isn’t just about football, basketball, or any single team—this is about the identity of a university that’s deeply rooted in West Texas grit, community values, and the belief that greatness can be forged outside of traditional power structures.
Sources close to the project confirm that the film will be a dramatic retelling of the Red Raiders’ journey—one that stretches from the oil fields and cotton farms of West Texas to the national stage of collegiate athletics. It will chronicle both historical milestones and recent triumphs, offering audiences a dynamic and emotionally rich portrayal of what it means to be a Red Raider. From the echoes of Jones AT\&T Stadium to the thunderous energy inside United Supermarkets Arena, the film aims to bring the sights, sounds, and soul of Lubbock, Texas, to a global audience.
While the details of the screenplay remain tightly guarded, early reports suggest the project will blend archival footage with scripted reenactments, powerful voiceovers, and behind-the-scenes access to key moments in Texas Tech history. Coaches, alumni, players, and even longtime fans are expected to be part of the storytelling process, providing a mosaic of perspectives that span generations. It’s a film designed to resonate not just with Red Raider faithful, but with anyone who has ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or on the outside looking in.
President Schovanec’s leadership has played an instrumental role in bringing this vision to life. Known for his calm demeanor and intellectual rigor, Schovanec has quietly become one of the most forward-thinking university presidents in the country. Under his guidance, Texas Tech has expanded its research capabilities, grown its endowment, and positioned itself as a rising academic and athletic powerhouse. But it’s this latest move that may prove to be his most impactful yet.
“This is not just a film,” Schovanec reportedly told university staff following the announcement. “This is a message to the world that Texas Tech’s story deserves to be told, and that our community has something meaningful to say.” That mindset—rooted in humility but unshaken in confidence—is emblematic of the university’s ethos. And now, thanks to Netflix, it will be projected to an audience of millions.
The \$11.5 million deal is not just symbolic—it’s strategic. Netflix, always eager to expand its sports portfolio following the global success of series like “Drive to Survive” and “Quarterback,” sees in Texas Tech a chance to tap into an audience that is passionate, proud, and immensely loyal. The platform understands the potential of college sports narratives, particularly those that offer more than just highlights and stats. They want heart. They want conflict. They want stories that feel real.
Texas Tech, with its underdog legacy and fiercely independent spirit, offers all that and more. The university’s sports history is filled with moments that transcend the scoreboard—whether it was the 2008 football season under Mike Leach that captivated the nation, or the 2019 basketball run that saw the Red Raiders fall just short of a national title in overtime. Those stories will form the backbone of the Netflix film, but they’ll be complemented by tales of perseverance, community service, and academic achievement.
What makes this project especially compelling is its timing. In an era where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are transforming college sports, and conference realignments are redrawing the map of collegiate competition, Texas Tech is making a different kind of power move—one that isn’t about money or mergers, but about storytelling. It’s an investment in culture, branding, and the long-term reputation of the university.
The buzz around the project is already creating ripples in the recruiting world. Athletes want visibility. They want their stories to be told. And they want to play for programs that understand the power of narrative. By aligning with Netflix, Texas Tech is offering current and future student-athletes something unique: the opportunity to be part of a legacy that’s being immortalized in film.
That appeal extends beyond athletics. Faculty, staff, alumni, and students all stand to benefit from the exposure. The film will shine a light on Lubbock’s rich cultural heritage, the university’s academic excellence, and the tight-knit nature of the Texas Tech community. It’s a rare moment where athletics becomes a vehicle for a much broader message—one about identity, pride, and the pursuit of excellence.
Critics may argue that a film is just that—a film. But the reality is that in today’s media landscape, storytelling is everything. It’s how institutions shape perception. It’s how they recruit talent, attract donors, and cultivate loyalty. President Schovanec understands this intuitively. The Netflix deal is not a vanity project—it’s a strategic communication tool that will elevate the university’s brand for years to come.
For Netflix, the decision to greenlight the film represents a calculated bet on authenticity. Sports fans are craving fresh narratives, especially those rooted in real emotion and community values. Texas Tech offers both in abundance. And unlike more polished blue-blood programs, the Red Raiders carry a certain rawness that’s compelling. Their story is not about perfection—it’s about passion.
Production is expected to begin later this year, with casting already underway for key roles in the dramatized sequences. Directors and producers with ties to sports filmmaking are reportedly being courted, and Texas Tech officials will play a hands-on role in ensuring accuracy and integrity in the storytelling. The film’s release is tentatively slated for the fall of 2026, perfectly timed to coincide with the college football season and the start of a new academic year.
Already, social media has lit up with reactions from fans, alumni, and rival schools. Red Raider Nation is rallying behind the project with a blend of excitement, pride, and curiosity. Some are sharing their own personal stories of how Texas Tech changed their lives. Others are speculating on which players and moments will be featured. There’s even talk of companion content—a documentary series, a podcast, perhaps even a book.
The possibilities are as vast as the Texas sky. But at the heart of it all is a simple truth: Texas Tech’s story matters. And now, thanks to Lawrence Schovanec’s vision and Netflix’s platform, that story will finally be told on a global stage.
For the students walking across campus today, the deal is a reminder that they are part of something bigger. For the athletes competing under the Red Raider banner, it’s proof that their work is being noticed. For the alumni watching from afar, it’s a validation of everything they’ve long believed about their school. And for the broader world, it’s an invitation to discover what makes Texas Tech truly special.
As the cameras begin to roll and the script comes to life, one thing is certain: the spirit of West Texas is about to get a spotlight like never before. And under the steady leadership of President Schovanec, the Red Raiders aren’t just chasing championships—they’re telling their story, one frame at a time.
