In Joey McGuire’s first three years, Texas Tech averaged 7.6 wins. Looking to improve, the Red Raiders invested $28 million in NIL deals ahead of the 2025 season, acquiring players to bolster their roster. After these additions, Texas Tech achieved 12 wins and advanced to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, where they’ll face Oregon at the Orange Bowl with a semifinal spot at stake.
Yet beyond their 2025 success, this season’s major spending comes under scrutiny, as analysts evaluate how these investments enabled the Red Raiders to build their current roster and secure a CFP quarterfinal berth.
Texas Tech In for a ‘Rude Awakening’ Against Oregon, Says Fox Sports CFB Analyst
For Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt, Texas Tech is in for a rude awakening when the Red Raiders face the Oregon Ducks in their CFP quarterfinal clash on January 1. Klatt said that Texas Tech has not played any team as talented as Oregon this season and that the only quality opponents the Red Raiders have faced are Utah and BYU.
“Oregon is one of the most talented rosters in the entire country. They have 80+ four-star players, another handful of five-star players,” Klatt said. “They’re in the like 90+ players that are four or five stars. Their blue chip ratio is incredible.”
Klatt added that Oregon will play at a different pace than any team Texas Tech faced this season. He believed that Oregon could have a postseason run similar to the one Ohio State had achieved the previous season.
The Buckeyes beat Tennessee at home in the first round and then went on a deep run, defeating Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame to win the national title.
Analysts Explore Texas Tech’s NIL Spending Blitz
Texas Tech has the second-most expensive roster in college football, at $28 million. This is according to a survey by On3 college sports business reporter Pete Nakos. The Red Raiders’ NIL funding is well supported by businessman and TTU board chairman Cody Campbell.
Campbell earned his money through the $4 billion sale of Double Eagle Energy Holdings.
Expanding on this support, ESPN reporter Max Olson noted that Campbell invested part of his wealth to help form a championship-caliber roster. This included hiring McGuire for about $7 million annually, as well as overseeing $240 million invested in Texas Tech’s athletic facilities over the last three years.
Building on these investments, the program directed funds toward signing quarterback Behren Morton for over $1 million this season, according to Nakos’ report. In a related move, Stanford transfer David Bailey is ranked 40th in the nation with about $1.2 million in NIL value.
In addition to these key acquisitions, the Red Raiders’ capital outlay has been balanced within the defensive line and trenches. ESPN’s Eli Lederman also reported that five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo signed a guaranteed three-year, $5.1-million contract.
The Oregon Ducks aced their first assignment against James Madison in convincing fashion and hope to continue their winning run against Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
