Texas Tech football reached a place it had never been before, and sometimes that first step onto the biggest stage comes with a harsh lesson. The Red Raiders’ debut in the College Football Playoff, capped by a lopsided Orange Bowl loss to Oregon, was a jarring contrast to the dominant, historic season that preceded it. The result left a sour taste, but it also provided clarity. For Joey McGuire and his staff, the task now is not to dwell on what went wrong, but to determine how Texas Tech turns this breakthrough year into a foundation rather than a peak.
The expectation has changed in Lubbock. Simply making the CFP will no longer be enough. The Red Raiders will be expected to return and to compete when they get there. Doing that requires honest self-scouting, tough personnel decisions, and a clear vision for how the program wants to operate in an era defined by the transfer portal and rapid roster turnover.
Rebuilding the offense around the right quarterback
Everything starts at quarterback, and the Orange Bowl exposed how fragile Texas Tech’s offensive ceiling can be without the right fit behind center. Mack Leftwich’s system thrives when the quarterback is a threat with his legs, capable of extending plays, punishing defenses for man coverage, and keeping the run-pass conflict alive on every snap. When that element disappears, the offense becomes easier to defend and far less explosive.
Behren Morton’s limitations were magnified against elite competition. Injuries and lack of mobility forced the playbook to shrink, and Oregon was able to play aggressively without worrying about the quarterback hurting them on the ground. Will Hammond showed flashes later in the year, but relying on an inexperienced option in the biggest moments is a gamble for a program with playoff aspirations.
The transfer portal has to be a priority. Texas Tech does not need a caretaker quarterback; it needs a difference-maker who can threaten defenses both vertically and horizontally. The defense proved this season that it can carry its weight against top-tier opponents, but even an elite unit cannot consistently overcome an offense that struggles to sustain drives or capitalize on opportunities. If Tech wants to avoid another postseason mismatch, it must upgrade the position that touches the ball every play.
Clarifying the running back rotation
The backfield is another area that requires clarity. Injuries forced Texas Tech to improvise throughout the season, and while Cameron Dickey and J’Koby Williams performed admirably in a shared role, the situation could become crowded quickly. Quinten Joyner’s knee injury prevented him from contributing at all, but his return adds another capable option to an already busy room.
Depth is a luxury, but confusion is not. The Red Raiders need a defined hierarchy and clear roles. That could mean identifying a true lead back, establishing a short-yardage specialist, or leaning into situational usage that maximizes each player’s strengths. What cannot happen is a constant shuffle that prevents any runner from finding rhythm.
This decision also ties into offensive identity. A mobile quarterback naturally changes how the running game functions, opening lanes through option looks and quarterback keepers. Sorting out the backfield without first settling the quarterback situation risks putting the cart before the horse. Once the offensive direction is set, the running back rotation should fall into place more naturally.
Replacing irreplaceable pass rushers
On defense, the challenge is different but just as daunting. David Bailey and Romello Height were the engines of a pass rush that kept Texas Tech competitive against anyone it faced. Their ability to win one-on-one battles masked other issues and allowed the secondary to play with confidence. Losing that kind of production is never easy, and there is no single player who can replicate it.
The answer will have to be collective. Scheme adjustments, creative blitz packages, and internal development will all play a role. McGuire’s staff has shown an ability to identify defensive line talent, but the margin for error shrinks when facing playoff-caliber offenses. Even a slight drop-off in pressure can turn close games into uphill battles.
The goal does not have to be matching last year’s sack totals exactly, but Texas Tech must remain disruptive. Quarterbacks at the highest level will eventually find open receivers if they are comfortable in the pocket. Sustaining a reputation as a team that makes opposing passers uncomfortable is essential for continued success.
Balancing youth and the transfer portal
Perhaps the most complex challenge is philosophical. This season’s roster leaned heavily on transfer additions, many of whom were older and more physically ready to contribute immediately. That approach helped accelerate Texas Tech’s rise, but it also raises questions about sustainability.
McGuire’s long-term vision has always emphasized recruiting high school players, developing them over multiple seasons, and building continuity. The playoff run complicates that plan. With expectations elevated, patience becomes harder to sell. The temptation to chase instant fixes through the portal will always be there, especially after a high-profile loss exposes specific weaknesses.
The answer lies in balance. Texas Tech cannot abandon high school recruiting without risking depth and culture issues down the line. At the same time, selectively using the portal to address critical needs, particularly at quarterback and along the lines, is now part of the modern game. The key is avoiding a roster built almost entirely on short-term solutions.
Developing young talent while supplementing it with experienced transfers allows the program to remain competitive without sacrificing its future. That balance will define whether this season is remembered as the beginning of a new era or a singular, hard-to-replicate run.
Turning disappointment into direction
The Orange Bowl loss was painful, but it was also instructive. Texas Tech learned what separates a good team from a championship contender. The gap is not insurmountable, but it is real. Addressing it requires decisive action, not excuses.
Regrouping does not mean starting over. The Red Raiders have proof of concept, a coaching staff that has earned credibility, and a defense capable of standing toe-to-toe with elite programs. By finding the right quarterback, clarifying offensive roles, maintaining defensive pressure, and striking the right balance between development and acquisition, Texas Tech can turn a forgettable playoff debut into the first step of a sustained presence on college football’s biggest stage.
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