Texas Tech Football Awaits CFP Quarterfinal Opponent After Historic Season
The Texas Tech Red Raiders have finally done it—they’ve clinched their first-ever Big 12 Conference championship. This caps off a wild, record-setting season with 12 wins, the most in program history.
Now, they’re in the College Football Playoff (CFP) as the No. 4 seed and get a first-round bye. The Red Raiders are waiting to see who they’ll face in the quarterfinals: Oregon or James Madison.
Let’s dig into how Texas Tech got here, what’s coming up in the CFP, and what fans might want to keep an eye on in this crazy postseason.
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Texas Tech’s Historic Season
Honestly, Texas Tech’s 2025 football season has been a blast to watch. They just kept rolling over teams, showing off on both offense and defense.
Here’s a quick look at how their season played out:
- Aug. 30: Texas Tech 67, Arkansas-Pine Bluff 7
- Sept. 6: Texas Tech 62, Kent State 14
- Sept. 13: Texas Tech 45, Oregon State 14
- Sept. 20: Texas Tech 34, Utah 10
- Oct. 4: Texas Tech 35, Houston 11
- Oct. 11: Texas Tech 42, Kansas 17
- Oct. 18: Arizona State 26, Texas Tech 22
- Oct. 25: Texas Tech 42, Oklahoma State 0
- Nov. 1: Texas Tech 43, Kansas State 20
- Nov. 8: Texas Tech 29, BYU 7
- Nov. 15: Texas Tech 48, UCF 9
- Nov. 29: Texas Tech 49, West Virginia 0
- Big 12 Championship (Dec. 6): Texas Tech 34, BYU 7
Key Moments and Standout Performances
A few moments really stuck out this season. That blowout win over Oklahoma State? Huge. Shutting out West Virginia was another statement.
They did stumble against Arizona State, but bounced back quickly. That kind of resilience is tough to teach and even harder to maintain all year.
All over the roster, guys stepped up. The offense kept pouring on points, and the defense just refused to break. That combo? It’s what got them here.
College Football Playoff Selection
The CFP selection show on Dec. 7, 2025, made it official: Texas Tech is the No. 4 seed with a first-round bye. They’ll face whoever wins between Oregon and James Madison in the quarters.
That’s a serious test, no doubt. But if the Red Raiders keep playing like they have, you’ve got to like their chances.
CFP Rankings and Matchups
Here’s how the final CFP rankings shook out at the top:
- No. 1: Indiana
- No. 2: Ohio State
- No. 3: Georgia
- No. 4: Texas Tech
- No. 5: Oregon
- No. 6: Texas A&M
- No. 7: Ole Miss
- No. 8: Alabama
- No. 9: Miami
- No. 10: Miami
Quarterfinals are set for Dec. 31 and Jan. 2. Semifinals come right after, on Jan. 8 and 9. The national championship is on Jan. 19.
Looking Ahead: Key Factors for Success
So, what’s it going to take for Texas Tech to keep this run going?
Maintaining Offensive Prowess
The offense has been electric, no question. Keeping that energy up is going to be key.
They’ll need their stars to keep showing up, and the offensive line has to keep protecting. It’s a lot to ask, but they’ve done it all year.
Defensive Resilience
The defense has bailed them out more than once. Shutting down Oklahoma State and West Virginia wasn’t a fluke.
They’ll need that same discipline—especially if they end up facing a team like Oregon, who can put up points in a hurry.
Coaching and Strategy
Coaching decisions could be the difference-maker. The staff’s got to have a plan and be ready to adjust on the fly.
Every postseason is unpredictable, so flexibility might end up being just as important as raw talent.
Fan Support and Intangibles
And let’s be real—Texas Tech fans are wild in the best way. That energy matters.
When the pressure ramps up, things like team chemistry and mental toughness start to matter more. The Red Raiders will need every bit of it as they chase history in the CFP.
Conclusion
Texas Tech’s season has been one for the books. Now, they’re heading into the College Football Playoff with real momentum.
They’ve earned a first-round bye, which is no small feat. There’s a possible quarterfinal clash ahead—maybe against Oregon, maybe James Madison. Either way, it’s going to be intense.
Fans are buzzing. Analysts? They’re watching closely, wondering if the Red Raiders can keep this run going and maybe, just maybe, grab that national title.
For more updates and live coverage, check out the original article on Lubbock Online.
