Shocking Update: Sports Illustrated Ranks Texas Tech Just No. 14 in Preseason Top 25, Leaving Fans Heartbroken

Texas Tech football fans are experiencing a wave of mixed emotions as Sports Illustrated released its College Football Preseason Top 25 rankings, placing the Red Raiders at No. 14. For a program that has been steadily climbing the national radar, this ranking has sparked both pride and disappointment. While many supporters were expecting Texas Tech to crack the top 10 after their strong 2024 campaign, the No. 14 slot feels like a bittersweet recognition—enough to be noticed, yet still outside the elite tier that fans believe the team has earned.

The Red Raiders are coming off one of their most promising seasons in recent memory, displaying a level of consistency and competitive fire that reenergized their fanbase. Last season, Texas Tech posted a series of impressive victories, including crucial conference wins that kept them in contention for a spot in the Big 12 title game. Head coach Joey McGuire has worked tirelessly to transform the program into a legitimate contender, and his efforts have certainly paid off. With a returning core of dynamic players and a coaching staff committed to elevating the team’s national profile, expectations were sky-high entering 2025.

Sports Illustrated’s preseason rankings, however, serve as a humbling reminder of how difficult it can be for programs like Texas Tech to break through into college football’s upper echelon. Landing at No. 14 signals respect but not full belief from the national media. For Red Raiders supporters, it’s a tough pill to swallow, especially considering the off-season hype surrounding the team. Many experts pointed to Texas Tech’s deep roster, explosive offense, and improved defense as reasons why they could open the season inside the top 10. Instead, the Red Raiders are looking up at programs with longer traditions of dominance and more recent championship pedigree.

One reason for the tempered ranking might be skepticism about Texas Tech’s ability to maintain consistency against elite competition. The Big 12 is packed with teams capable of derailing playoff hopes, and national analysts may be waiting to see if the Red Raiders can deliver in critical games under pressure. Last season featured flashes of brilliance, but there were also moments where the team faltered against ranked opponents. Until the program demonstrates it can string together high-level performances over an entire season, voters may continue to hesitate when assigning them top-tier status.

Despite the disappointment, the No. 14 ranking is still a testament to how far Texas Tech football has come. Only a few years ago, the Red Raiders were struggling to stay relevant in the conference conversation. Recruiting challenges, coaching transitions, and defensive shortcomings plagued the program for years. Under Coach McGuire, the culture has shifted dramatically. His emphasis on toughness, player development, and strategic innovation has allowed Texas Tech to rise from the shadows into a program capable of challenging the nation’s best.

Star players like quarterback Behren Morton and wide receiver Jerand Bradley have been central to this resurgence. Morton’s leadership and arm talent make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country, while Bradley’s ability to stretch defenses gives the Red Raiders a game-breaking weapon. On the defensive side, the emergence of a dominant front seven has given fans hope that Texas Tech can finally compete with the physicality of elite programs. When paired with the offensive firepower the team is known for, the Red Raiders present a balanced and formidable challenge to any opponent.

Fan reaction to the No. 14 ranking has been a mixture of pride and frustration. Social media has been buzzing with posts from loyal supporters who feel their team deserves more respect. Many believe that the ranking undervalues the strides the program has made, pointing out that Texas Tech has the tools to compete with—and even defeat—many of the teams ranked above them. At the same time, some fans are using the ranking as motivation, embracing the underdog role and calling on the team to prove doubters wrong on the field.

The preseason ranking also sets the stage for a highly anticipated season filled with opportunities to climb higher. Early matchups against ranked opponents will give Texas Tech a chance to make a statement and push toward the top 10. The team’s schedule includes pivotal conference games that could define the season, and each victory will be a chance to erase any lingering skepticism from the national media.

Ultimately, being ranked No. 14 is a reminder that respect in college football is earned on Saturdays, not in preseason polls. For Texas Tech, this ranking can either serve as a source of frustration or fuel for a historic campaign. Coach McGuire and his players seem well aware of what’s at stake, and their response to this early-season doubt could define their 2025 journey.

For Red Raider fans, the emotional rollercoaster continues. Pride in the program’s progress is undeniable, but so is the sting of being underestimated. Texas Tech enters the season with a chip on its shoulder and a fanbase eager to see them rise above the doubters. If the Red Raiders can deliver on the field and turn potential into results, this preseason ranking might be remembered as the spark that ignited a special season—one that could leave Sports Illustrated and the rest of the nation in awe.