Dominant defense, top portal recruits, and returning stars fuel Red Raiders' elite No. 7 ranking for 2026.
The Texas Tech Red Raiders took the Big 12, and college football by storm last season, fielding a dominant defense led by Daivid Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez.
Rodriguez took home all the national awards for a defender, while Bailey is projected as a top pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Bailey, Rodriguez and their Red Raiders brethren ran roughshod over their opponents on their way to winning the Big 12 Championship with a 34-7 win over BYU.
During the recent portal mania, coach Joey McGuire reloaded his team with talent on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Brendan Sorsby, the No. 1 QB prospect in the portal. Sorsby accounted for over 3,300 yards and 36 total touchdowns. Texas Tech’s portal class was ranked No. 8 in the country, according to 247 Sports.
In a way-too-early top 25 poll for 2026, published by CBSSports.com, Texas Tech is ranked No. 7. They are the only Big 12 team ranked in the top ten, and are one of four Big 12 teams in the poll.
The Red Raiders also return a ton of starters and key contributors. On offense, McGuire welcomes back running backs Cam Dickey and J’Koby Williams, who combined for over 1,900 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns.
They also return weapons on the perimeter, such as receiver Coy Eakin and tight end Terrance Carter Jr., and they added receiver Malcom Simmons (Auburn) from the transfer portal.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebackers Ben Roberts and John Curry return, along with A.J. Holmes, Amier Boyd and Brice Pollock. From the portal, the Red Raiders add edge rushers Trey White and Adam Trick, and linebacker Austin Romaine. All three were all-conference performers.
The 2026 schedule is challenging, with four of the first six games on the road. But Texas Tech will finish the 2026 campaign with five consecutive home games, including a matchup with No. 21 Houston.
The Red Raiders have the players and the mindset to get back to the Big 12 title game, and should be the favorites in that regard.
A lot can happen between now and the start of the 2026 season, but talent and experience will be the hallmarks of the 2026 Red Raiders. Few teams get to continue their success from one season to the next. But Texas Tech not only has the opportunity but has the will and the talent to accomplish just that.