While the pads were popping and cleats were crunching through Texas Tech’s fifth fall camp practice Monday morning, news broke that gave Red Raider fans another reason to get excited about the 2025 season: Texas Tech has officially landed at No. 24 in the US LBM Coaches Poll preseason rankings.
It’s a familiar spot—No. 24, the same position the Red Raiders held to open the 2023 season. But what’s different this time is the level of national attention and internal expectations as the season opener looms just under four weeks away.
A Program on the Rise
Texas Tech opens the season on August 30 at 6:30 p.m., kicking off the first of three straight home games. Expectations are high, and for good reason. The Red Raiders have become one of the most talked-about programs in college football this offseason, thanks to a combination of savvy coaching, key transfer additions, and noticeable growth on both sides of the ball.
In a loaded Big 12 and a national landscape dominated by perennial powerhouses like Texas (No. 1), Ohio State (No. 2), and Georgia (No. 4), the Red Raiders are quietly (or maybe not so quietly anymore) carving out a place among the top-tier programs.
National Recognition: Texas Tech Players Make “Freaks List”
As if the Coaches Poll wasn’t enough of a confidence boost, Texas Tech saw three of its players named to Bruce Feldman’s annual College Football Freaks List—a national honor that highlights the most athletic, physically gifted, and explosive players in the country.
David Bailey (No. 43) and Howard Sampson (No. 80), both key transfer additions, have already made their presence felt in camp and are expected to make immediate impacts on defense.
Davion Carter (No. 88), a returning force on the offensive line, rounds out the trio, showing just how balanced Tech’s roster has become in terms of raw physicality and talent.
This kind of national attention is more than hype—it’s validation of the work being done in Lubbock.
What the Poll Says About Tech
Landing at No. 24 means the coaches across the country recognize Texas Tech as a legitimate threat in 2025. The poll features a heavy concentration of blue-blood programs in the top 10—Texas, Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, and Notre Dame, among others—but Tech being slotted ahead of schools like Boise State, Oklahoma (unranked), and USC (unranked) reflects a shift in perception.
And it’s not just coaches. The buzz surrounding the Red Raiders has fans, analysts, and even former players weighing in on the team’s potential this fall. With the AP preseason poll set to be released next Monday at 11 a.m. CT, Tech could very well see a dual top-25 appearance heading into Week 1.
What’s Next for the Red Raiders
The next few weeks of fall camp will be critical. The coaching staff is installing final wrinkles into the playbook, positional battles are being decided, and chemistry is being fine-tuned. But the foundation is already in place:
A roster that’s stronger and deeper than in years past
National recognition for both the team and its standout athletes
A schedule that opens with three straight home games—a chance to build early momentum
Whether Texas Tech stays at No. 24, climbs higher, or surprises even the most optimistic fans, one thing is clear: This is a program trending up, and the college football world is watching.
Final Thoughts
Being ranked No. 24 in the preseason poll may not guarantee success—but it does signal respect, momentum, and expectation. Texas Tech fans have seen flashes of brilliance over the years, but this fall feels different.
With talented athletes, a hungry coaching staff, and a fan base that’s ready to erupt, the countdown to kickoff on August 30 is officially on.
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