The Rise of the Texas Tech Red Raiders Football Program

Texas Tech’s football program is earning national attention thanks to improved recruiting, major roster upgrades, and a culture shift under coach Joey McGuire - and that boost is good news for the entire Lubbock community, especially if you’re thinking about buying or selling property here.


Just a few things you should know about what’s changing.

First: the wins. After an 8-5 finish in 2024, the Red Raiders have started the season strong. Their defense and roster have been upgraded in major ways. For example, Tech’s transfer-portal class ranked No. 2 in the nation; ten transfers claimed starting spots, seven on defense. Coach McGuire says the team is “as athletic as we’ve ever been.”

Second: the ripple effect in Lubbock. What happens on the field often spills into the local economy - game days bring more out-of-town fans, more hotel stays, more restaurant traffic, and more overall energy. That kind of momentum can boost property demand in neighborhoods near campus and in town in general.

Third: why this matters to you. If you’re involved in real estate - whether buying or selling - knowing the local vibe and community momentum matters. A thriving college sports program can help elevate regional pride, media coverage, and awareness of Lubbock as a destination. That’s a positive backdrop when you’re talking to clients, marketing homes, or just positioning the city in your own narrative.


What’s driving the change

Here are the key pieces behind the success:

  • Recruiting and transfers. Texas Tech invested heavily - both financially and through portal activity - to bring in top-tier talent quickly.

  • Coaching stability and culture. Under McGuire, the team has built consistency. Over his tenure the Red Raiders made bowl appearances three straight years and posted winning conference records. 

  • Performance improvement. Deeper roster, tougher defense and greater athleticism are translating into wins. The statistics on defense and overall ranking are trending up. 


What it means for Lubbock’s real estate scene

Here’s how you can connect the dots between the football program’s success and your real-estate messaging:

  • Use game-day buzz. When Tech is winning, there’s excitement in town. That’s a story you can tell—“living in a city with a winning program,” “game-day walkability,” etc.

  • Highlight neighborhood perks. If you’re marketing homes near campus or in on-campus markets, point out the easy access to stadium events, student-life energy, and positive community attention.

  • Show economic momentum. Increased visitors, campus investment, and stronger local business traffic can support value claims or future growth narratives for Lubbock.

  • Craft your brand around “Lubbock & Tech.” As you build your real-estate presence, tie your identity to the city and the university. “When Tech succeeds, Lubbock wins.”

  • Market stability. Consistent winning seasons help showcase Lubbock as a vibrant, upward-moving place - not just a one-off success. That helps buyers feel confident.


Final takeaway

The Texas Tech Red Raiders’ recent turnaround is more than just a streak of wins. It represents a shift in recruiting strategy, coaching culture, and local energy that’s now reverberating throughout Lubbock. As a real-estate professional, you’re in a unique position to ride that wave - by weaving in references to the program’s success, spreading the “town on the rise” story, and helping clients see how homeownership here offers more than four walls.

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