Joey McGuire Unleashes Bold Claim as Texas Tech Rides No. 1 Transfer Class Into Sold-Out Showdown With Oklahoma State

In a bold and thunderous proclamation that has set Red Raider Nation ablaze, Texas Tech head football coach Joey McGuire declared this week, “This team can win the Big 12.” Backed by the nation’s top-ranked transfer portal class and brimming with offseason momentum, McGuire’s words aren’t just optimistic—they’re a challenge to every contender standing in their way.

McGuire’s statement comes on the heels of the program officially announcing that Jones AT&T Stadium will be at full capacity for the first time in school history for their upcoming primetime battle against Oklahoma State. The October clash has become the hottest ticket in Lubbock, signaling a new chapter of belief and bravado under McGuire’s leadership.

Texas Tech’s rise in offseason buzz began when they landed the No. 1 transfer class in the country. The staff, led by McGuire and bolstered by elite recruiters, added firepower across the board. Headlining the group is former five-star quarterback Malik Hornsby, who transferred from Arkansas and has been lighting up spring scrimmages with his dual-threat dynamism.

Joining Hornsby are multiple key additions on both sides of the ball: wide receiver Zaydeh Harris (Michigan State), defensive end Travon Mackey (Florida), linebacker K.J. Myles (Oregon), and All-ACC cornerback D’Andre Hill (Wake Forest). Each brings not just experience, but also a hunger to prove themselves on a new stage.

The game against Oklahoma State will be more than a Big 12 contest—it’s shaping up to be a defining moment in the Joey McGuire era. Texas Tech hasn’t sold out every single seat in the modern era of the stadium, making this achievement a testament to growing fan belief and offseason excitement.

Since arriving in Lubbock, McGuire has been all energy, grit, and transformation. A former Texas high school football icon and Baylor assistant, he brought a relentless culture shift that’s now bearing visible fruit. In just a short time, Texas Tech has gone from Big 12 middleweight to a rising force with serious championship aspirations.

The Red Raiders posted an 8–5 record last season, punctuated by a bowl win over a ranked Missouri squad. But McGuire insists that was just the beginning. With elite portal additions, better depth, and a system that’s clicking on both offense and defense, he believes this roster is built for something bigger.

The Red Raiders’ matchup with Oklahoma State is circled in red on every fan’s calendar. With the Cowboys reloading after a surprise run to the Big 12 title game last season, the game could serve as a de facto early playoff battle within the league.

Texas Tech has historically struggled against the Pokes, but the 2025 squad may be different. With Hornsby’s explosiveness under center, an experienced and aggressive defense, and a raucous home crowd behind them, the stage is set for a signature win.