After months of build-up and offseason hype, Texas Tech Football officially turned the page from speculation to action on Wednesday morning. The Red Raiders hit the practice field at the Dustin R. Womble Football Center for a high-energy, two-hour workout to kick off preseason camp. For head coach Joey McGuire, it marked the end of what many in the sport call “talking season” — the months of media speculation, hype, and projections — and the beginning of the work that will define the 2025 season.
No More Talking — It’s Time to Go to Work
This first day of camp wasn’t just another box on the calendar — it was a date McGuire had circled for months. And it was clear he came into it with purpose. Now entering his third season as head coach, McGuire knows expectations are higher than ever for his Red Raiders, and he's not shying away from the pressure. If anything, he’s leaning into it.
“We’re going to embrace the pressure,” McGuire said during Texas Tech’s Local Media Day earlier in the week. “You control what you can control… and that’s being on time, taking care of your body, and emptying the tank during practice.”
That phrase — “emptying the tank” — wasn’t just a motivational one-liner. It’s a guiding principle for how McGuire wants his team to approach every rep, every drill, and every meeting during camp. Perfection isn’t expected. Effort is.
A Team with Depth — and Eyes on the Top
While the Red Raiders have been one of the more talked-about programs in college football this offseason, McGuire and his staff are focused on what’s happening between the lines. With the full team now on campus — including a promising group of freshmen and a number of intriguing summer transfers — the coaching staff will spend the next few weeks evaluating talent and fine-tuning rotations.
One key area of excitement? Defensive line depth.
McGuire didn’t hesitate to compare the current front to some of the most talented units he’s coached. That kind of depth up front is rare in the college game, and it’s a reason many around the country are taking Texas Tech seriously as a Big 12 contender this fall.
A Structured Path to Game Week
The plan for camp is clear and methodical. Texas Tech will practice in three-day blocks, with each trio of sessions followed by a rest day. That rhythm is designed to maintain intensity while minimizing injuries and maximizing recovery — a smart approach during the grind of August.
Two closed scrimmages — set for August 9 and 16 inside Jones AT&T Stadium — will serve as the best opportunities for players to separate themselves in position battles. These sessions will play a major role in shaping the two-deep before the team transitions into a mock game week on August 17, preparing as if the season opener is just days away.
Building Day by Day
While the headlines and hype are nice, McGuire’s message is rooted in consistency: Stack good days. That mindset starts with workouts like Wednesday’s — getting the basics right, playing with intensity, and creating habits that lead to winning football.
