2026 Texas Tech Football Preview
Jake Wimberly
Abby Boyd Contributing-
What’s to like:
Texas Tech has continued to build momentum under Joey McGuire, and the program now has more talent than it did when he first took over. The Red Raiders have used the transfer portal effectively to add experienced players, while recruiting has also improved. That has given Texas Tech a deeper roster and raised the overall expectations around the program.
The Red Raiders also have plenty of athleticism on defense. There are players capable of making plays in space and creating problems for opposing offenses, giving Texas Tech a defense that can complement its offense. With the roster continuing to improve, the Red Raiders have the talent to compete near the top of the Big 12.
What’s not to like:
Texas Tech will have to replace several key players from last season, and that could create some early challenges. The roster has improved, but losing experienced contributors can still affect depth and consistency at certain positions. Younger players will need to step into larger roles quickly.
Pass protection is another area that needs to improve. Texas Tech has enough talent to move the football, but giving the quarterback enough time to operate will be important against the conference's better defensive fronts. If the offensive line struggles in protection, it could limit what the offense is able to do.
What does the Hourglass say?
Texas Tech- Big 12 (12-0)
Power ranking 78.78.
2026 Texas Tech Analytics
National recruiting rating (three year metric): #15- inside the boundary of a National Championship Roster.
National Coaching Ranking:
Joey McGuire- 30th in Power 5 and 3rd in the Big 12.
2026 coaching value= 24 (average 2026 Power 5 coaching value=21.93) Joey McGuire is ranked higher of the pack for coaches in the Power 5.
Quarterback Play: Will Hammond- ranked 48th in the Power 4, 11th in the Big 12; 2026 QB value=25.1(Power 4 average- 26.43).
Impact Ball Catcher Metric: Texas Tech has an Impact Ball Catcher Metric of . This puts the Red Raiders at the lower tier for the Big 12 in this metric.
Final Thoughts:
Texas Tech has continued to build its roster under Joey McGuire, and improved recruiting and transfer portal success have raised the talent level of the program. The Red Raiders have enough athleticism on defense to compete with the conference's better teams, but replacing key players and improving pass protection will be important. If the offensive line holds up, Texas Tech has a realistic chance to be part of the Big 12 title conversation.
2026 Schedule analysis:
Projected Hourglass W/L record: Games in red denote games that could be a one possession game or even a different outcome than projection.
9/5/26 ACU- Win
9/12/26 At Oregon State- Win
9/18/26 Houston- Win
9/26/26 Sam Houston- Win
10/3/26 At Colorado- Win
10/17/26 Arizona State- Win
10/24/26 At Cincinnati- Win
10/31/26 Arizona- Win
11/7/26 West Virginia- Win
11/14/26 At Oklahoma State- Win
11/21/26 At Baylor- Win
11/26/26 TCU- Win
