Texas Tech’s football program has changed a lot under head coach Joey McGuire. With serious financial support from boosters and clever use of the transfer portal, McGuire’s turned the Red Raiders into a team that people are actually talking about on the national stage.
The recent 29-7 win over previously unbeaten BYU? That’s just the latest sign of how far they’ve come. The roster’s loaded with high-profile transfers and the defense is, honestly, right up there with the best in the country.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s working for Texas Tech and why McGuire’s background matters so much.
Joey McGuire’s High School Coaching Mentality
Joey McGuire’s approach is different, and it shows. He came up coaching at Cedar Hill High School outside Dallas, and he’s brought that same no-nonsense, tough-love style to college ball.
He’s big on discipline, unity, and just plain hard work. Players seem to buy in, and there’s a real sense of team that’s hard to fake.
The Impact of a High School Coach
That high school background? It’s actually helped him handle a roster packed with big-name transfers. He’s figured out how to get everyone working together, even when they’re coming from all over.
It’s not easy to blend so many new faces, but somehow, he’s made it work. The results are right there on the field.
Financial Backing and the Transfer Portal
Money talks in college football, and Texas Tech has it. Boosters like billionaire Cody Campbell have poured cash into the program, making it possible to snag top-tier talent from the transfer portal.
That’s how you build a roster that can actually keep up with the big dogs in the SEC and Big Ten. It’s a bit wild, but that’s where the sport is right now.
Building a Championship Roster
With Campbell and others writing checks, McGuire’s put together a $25 million roster. That includes edge rushers David Bailey and Romello Height, interior tackles Lee Hunter and A.J. Holmes, and cornerbacks Dontae Balfour and Brice Pollack.
These guys have made a real impact, especially on defense. It’s not just hype—they’re producing.
Defensive Prowess
McGuire’s always hammered home the value of defense. That’s something he brought with him from the high school ranks, and it’s become a cornerstone for Texas Tech.
They’re shutting people down and controlling games in a way that’s honestly kind of refreshing for Big 12 football.
Key Defensive Players
- David Bailey: This guy’s a menace off the edge, constantly hassling quarterbacks.
- Romello Height: Another crucial edge presence, he’s tough to block and brings a ton of energy.
- Lee Hunter and A.J. Holmes: These two anchor the middle, making life miserable for opposing offenses.
- Dontae Balfour and Brice Pollack: Cornerbacks who just don’t let much get past them. Sticky in coverage, for sure.
- Jacob Rodriguez: Linebacker, leader, and—maybe a stretch—but some are whispering Heisman.
Team Unity and Discipline
It’s not just about the money or the transfers. McGuire’s made sure this team is disciplined and sticks together.
Texas Tech barely gets penalized compared to the rest of the Big 12, and they’ve got a plus-10 turnover ratio. That kind of discipline really pays off when games get weird.
Creating a Cohesive Team Environment
He’s managed to get everyone pulling in the same direction. Teamwork and mutual respect aren’t just buzzwords here—they actually mean something.
It’s the sort of atmosphere where players have each other’s backs, and you can see it in how they play. The whole thing just works, even if it’s not always flashy.
Looking Ahead
Right now, Texas Tech is rolling. At 9-0, with every win coming by at least 22 points, they’re making a pretty loud case for national attention.
The win over BYU is just one piece of it. They’re not slowing down, and honestly, it’s fun to watch.
Future Prospects
With McGuire leading the charge and steady financial backing from boosters like Cody Campbell, Texas Tech seems set up for a promising run. The team’s commitment to defense, discipline, and unity isn’t going anywhere.
They’re aiming to go toe-to-toe with the SEC and Big Ten heavyweights. There’s a sense that the foundation’s strong enough to keep them in the conversation for a while.
If you’re curious about the details of Texas Tech’s journey or want a closer look at their win over BYU, you can check out the full story on USA Today. It’s worth a read, honestly.
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