Texas Tech ranked No. 12 in preseason AP college football poll

Texas Tech has been ranked No. 12 in the Associated Press preseason top-25 college football poll, marking the second-highest preseason ranking in the program's history. This follows a successful previous season where the Red Raiders won the Big 12 title, finished with a 12-2 record, and appeared in the College Football Playoff.

The team returns 11 starters, including preseason All-Big 12 selections such as defensive lineman A. J. Holmes Jr., who was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year. The program has seen significant growth under head coach Joey McGuire, bolstered by substantial Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) investments that have resulted in one of the most expensive rosters in the Big 12.

Despite the high ranking and championship pedigree, the team faces roster changes. Starting quarterback Brendan Sorsby recently departed the university following controversy regarding sports gambling violations, leaving Will Hammond to step into the starting role.