Texas Tech University Athletics
Red Raiders at No. 12 in USA Today preseason poll
August 04, 2026 | Football
Texas Tech matched its highest preseason ranking in school history Tuesday
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech will kick off the 2026 season at No. 12 in the preseason U.S. LBM poll that was released Tuesday, marking the Red Raiders' highest preseason ranking by the coaches in school history.
Coming off a Big 12 title a year ago, the Red Raiders are again the highest-ranked conference team of four league schools in the preseason top-25 poll. BYU followed Texas Tech at No. 15, while Utah was at No. 21 and Houston was No. 24 overall. Houston will serve as Texas Tech's conference opener, traveling to Lubbock for a potential top-25 matchup on Sept. 18.
Ohio State was the overwhelming favorite by the polled coaches as the Buckeyes were followed by Oregon, Georgia, Texas and Notre Dame. Defending national champion Indiana came in at No. 6, while Miami, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Alabama rounded out the spots ahead of the Red Raiders.
Texas Tech was a mainstay in both the U.S. LBM coaches and Associated Press polls last year, ultimately finishing their historic season at No. 7 overall. The Red Raiders was ranked in every weekly poll of the 2025 campaign, starting with a No. 24 nod in last season's preseason coaches poll.
Texas Tech previously appeared as high as No. 14 in the preseason U.S. LBM coaches poll prior to its 2008 season. The Red Raiders' highest preseason ranking in school history came in 1977 when the Associated Press placed Texas Tech at No. 8 to start the year. The Associated Press will unveil its preseason poll in the coming weeks.
The release of the U.S. LBM coaches poll coincided with Texas Tech officially reporting for preseason camp later Tuesday afternoon. The Red Raiders officially kick off the 2026 season Sept. 5 when Texas Tech hosts Abilene Christian at Galaxy Stadium.
