Texas Tech Football Returns to Preseason Spotlight at No. 24 in Coaches Poll

Texas Tech football is back in the national conversation as the 2025 season approaches, claiming the No. 24 spot in the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll. For Red Raiders fans, this marks a long-awaited return to the Top 25, signaling growing optimism under head coach Joey McGuire and the program’s steady rise in the Big 12 landscape.

The Red Raiders’ inclusion in the preseason rankings is a milestone that reflects the program’s continued development. Texas Tech hasn’t consistently appeared in the Coaches Poll during recent seasons, but last year’s late surge and a promising offseason have caught the attention of voters nationwide.

McGuire’s team finished 2024 on a high note, demonstrating an ability to compete with top-tier opponents while closing gaps in critical areas such as defense and offensive consistency. The preseason nod at No. 24 serves as recognition of that momentum, while also raising expectations heading into a challenging 2025 schedule.

This ranking is a testament to the work our players and staff have put in,” McGuire said during a media availability session. “We’re proud to be recognized, but we know the real test begins in September. Our focus is on proving we belong every week.”

Texas Tech’s climb back into the national picture didn’t happen overnight. After years of struggling to maintain consistency, the Red Raiders spent the past two seasons revamping both their roster and culture. Key recruiting wins, combined with McGuire’s aggressive approach to player development, have given the team a renewed sense of identity.

The Red Raiders capped their 2024 campaign with an 8-5 record and a bowl victory, highlighting their ability to close out the season strong. More importantly, the defense showed noticeable improvement, helping to balance an offense known for its fast tempo and passing efficiency. These factors likely played a role in convincing Coaches Poll voters that Texas Tech is poised for another step forward.

Landing at No. 24 also places Texas Tech among a group of Big 12 programs looking to make noise on the national stage. With the conference expanding and reshuffling, competition will be fierce. Programs like Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and Utah are also expected to contend for league dominance, making every conference matchup critical for the Red Raiders’ ambitions.

Analysts note that the Big 12 may not have a single overwhelming favorite in 2025, which gives teams like Texas Tech an opportunity to rise if they can string together key wins. Maintaining their place in the Top 25 will depend heavily on early-season performance and the ability to avoid upsets against emerging conference opponents.

1. Quarterback Leadership – The Red Raiders’ offensive success will rely on stability under center. Returning starters and rising talents in the quarterback room have inspired confidence that the passing game can be both explosive and efficient.

2. Defensive Standouts – The 2024 defensive improvements were critical to the team’s resurgence. Returning linebackers and a fortified secondary will be tasked with stopping some of the conference’s most dynamic offenses.

3. Offensive Playmakers – Texas Tech’s tradition of high-powered receivers and versatile running backs remains a cornerstone. Breakout performances from these skill positions could define the team’s ceiling in 2025.

With a mix of veteran leadership and young stars, the Red Raiders appear to have the roster balance necessary to navigate the challenges of a demanding Big 12 schedule.

Nationally, the No. 24 ranking represents cautious optimism. Voters are acknowledging Texas Tech’s progress but also signaling that the team must prove itself against elite competition to climb higher. Being in the lower tier of the Top 25 means there is little margin for error—one misstep early in the season could knock the Red Raiders out of the rankings.

Sports analysts have highlighted Texas Tech as a potential “dark horse” in 2025. Their balanced roster and experienced coaching staff provide an intriguing mix, but consistency will be the defining factor. Success in September and October, especially in high-profile conference games, will determine whether this preseason recognition translates into sustained national relevance.

Texas Tech’s schedule offers opportunities to validate their ranking quickly. Early nonconference games present chances to build momentum before diving into a grueling Big 12 slate. Key home matchups will also give the Red Raiders the advantage of passionate Lubbock crowds, which have long been a factor in upsetting higher-ranked opponents.

If Texas Tech can secure a strong start, the path to climbing higher in the Coaches Poll becomes realistic. The ultimate goal will be contending for a Big 12 championship and positioning for a notable bowl game—objectives that once felt out of reach but now seem attainable.

Being ranked No. 24 in the preseason Coaches Poll marks the beginning of a new chapter for Texas Tech football. It represents both recognition of hard-earned progress and a challenge to continue climbing. For a program eager to reestablish itself as a Big 12 contender, this is just the first step in what fans hope will be a season to remember.

McGuire and his players know that the ranking is not the destination, but a signpost on the journey toward sustained success. If the Red Raiders can capitalize on their momentum and maintain focus, 2025 may be the year Texas Tech firmly reclaims its place among college football’s most competitive programs.