Picks and Predictions for the Red Raiders

If you’re eager to start betting on the Red Raiders this season, look no further. Our team of handicappers has put together a selection of picks for you to use today!

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Texas Tech Red Raiders History

The Texas Tech Red Raiders football program, based in Lubbock, Texas, has a proud tradition dating back to its first season in 1925. Originally known as the Matadors, the team quickly built a reputation for high-energy play and passionate fan support. Over the decades, Texas Tech has grown from a small program into a nationally recognized team competing in the Big 12 Conference.

Texas Tech is known for its innovative and high-scoring offenses, particularly under coaches like Mike Leach, who popularized the “Air Raid” offense in the early 2000s. The Red Raiders have produced numerous NFL players and boast a strong bowl game tradition, appearing in more than 30 bowl games throughout their history. The program is also famous for its fierce rivalries, particularly with Texas A&M and Texas, and for playing in one of the most intimidating environments in college football at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Throughout their history, the Red Raiders have been both underdog heroes and legitimate contenders. While they’ve yet to capture a national championship, they’ve consistently been a dangerous team capable of pulling off major upsets. Their combination of an aggressive offense and a never-say-die mentality makes them one of the most exciting and unpredictable teams in college football — and one that bettors can’t afford to ignore. Upgrade to pro-level insights—lock in our premium picks today and tip the scales in your favor.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Timeline

• 1925: Texas Tech fields its first football team, known as the Matadors.
• 1932: Texas Tech joins the Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
• 1937: Texas Tech earns its first bowl appearance in the Sun Bowl.
• 1956: The Red Raiders join the Southwest Conference.
• 1965: Texas Tech makes its first Cotton Bowl Classic appearance.
• 1976: The Red Raiders win the Southwest Conference title.
• 1996: Texas Tech becomes a founding member of the newly formed Big 12 Conference.
• 2000: Mike Leach is hired and installs the prolific “Air Raid” offense.
• 2008: Texas Tech finishes 11–2, highlighted by a dramatic upset of No. 1 Texas.
• 2017: Patrick Mahomes, former Texas Tech QB, is drafted 10th overall by the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.
• 2022: Joey McGuire takes over as head coach, aiming to rebuild Texas Tech into a Big 12 powerhouse.
• 2023: Texas Tech wins the Independence Bowl, finishing the season with a strong 8–5 record.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Stats

The 2024 season was a rollercoaster for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, marked by flashes of brilliance and some frustrating inconsistencies. Offensively, Texas Tech ranked in the top third of the Big 12 in points per game, averaging just over 30 points. Their passing attack, long a signature of the Red Raiders’ style, continued to be their strength, with the team ranking among the top 25 nationally in passing yards per game. Quarterback play was efficient, with a solid completion percentage and an ability to spread the ball across multiple receivers.

However, the running game showed mixed results. While they had some breakout performances, they finished middle of the pack in rushing yards per game, and struggled to consistently dominate the trenches against bigger defenses. Defensively, Texas Tech improved over previous seasons but still had trouble closing out games. They finished in the bottom half of the Big 12 in total defense, particularly struggling with giving up big plays through the air. Red zone defense was an area of strength, though, as they tightened up when opponents got close.

Special teams were a bright spot, with reliable kicking and strong coverage units that often flipped field position in key moments. Overall, Texas Tech showed they could hang with anyone, but bettors should note that inconsistency — particularly on defense — was often the difference between winning and losing close games. Stay one step ahead of the bookies—check out our latest college football picks and ride the winners.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Roster for 2025

Heading into the 2025 season, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are built around a core of experienced upperclassmen and some exciting young talent. The quarterback situation looks promising, with returning starter Behren Morton leading the way. Morton showed flashes of brilliance in 2024 with his quick release, pocket presence, and ability to create plays on the move. Behind him, there’s solid depth with promising underclassmen ready to step in if needed.

The wide receiver room remains a strength, featuring standouts like Jerand Bradley, who continues to emerge as a true No. 1 target with his combination of size and speed. Myles Price offers a reliable slot presence, giving Morton a trusted option in critical situations. The offensive line, which showed real progress last season, returns most of its starters, providing both stability and leadership for the offense.

On defense, the Red Raiders are looking for a bounce-back year, especially in the secondary. Safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson returns as a key leader, bringing playmaking ability and veteran savvy to the back end of the defense. Meanwhile, the linebacker unit, anchored by standout Jacob Rodriguez, is expected to be a strength, with improved depth and physicality. Up front, the defensive line will need new faces to step up after key departures, and how quickly that unit gels could define the season.

While the roster is deep and talented, some questions remain about the defensive consistency and whether the offense can maintain its explosiveness across an entire season. If the Red Raiders can shore up those areas, they could be a strong team to watch — and to bet on — in the 2025 campaign. Upgrade to pro-level insights—lock in our premium picks today and tip the scales in your favor.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Injury Report

The 2024 season saw the Red Raiders battling through a few key injuries, most notably on the defensive line and in the secondary. These injuries exposed depth issues and contributed to some of their struggles against high-powered offenses, ultimately costing them a couple of close games that could have changed the trajectory of their season. Track the hottest handicappers live on our leaderboard.

Keep an eye on the current injuries this season with our injury report:

Texas Tech Red Raiders Betting Outlook and Trends for 2025

Betting on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in 2025 offers some intriguing opportunities for sharp bettors. With an experienced quarterback, explosive wide receivers, and an improving defense, Texas Tech could provide value in a variety of betting markets. Here are some trends and angles worth keeping an eye on this season:

Expect Higher-Scoring Games Early in the Season

With Behren Morton back under center and a deep, talented receiver corps, Texas Tech’s offense should come out firing from Week 1. Their schedule includes some defenses still finding their footing, and early-season totals could be set too low. Bettors might find value in hitting the “over” on total points during the first month, before oddsmakers fully adjust to Texas Tech’s firepower.

Home-Field Advantage at Jones AT&T Stadium

Texas Tech has long been known for their raucous home crowd, and under Joey McGuire, their home performances have been even stronger. Last season, the Red Raiders covered the spread in a majority of their home games. With a familiar environment, vocal fans, and the natural West Texas wind factor, bettors should lean toward Texas Tech covering at home — particularly as underdogs or small favorites.

Spotty Defense Could Lead to Live Betting Opportunities

While the Red Raiders have improved defensively, they are still prone to lapses, especially against dynamic offenses. One angle to watch: if Texas Tech falls behind early, their offense is capable of quickly clawing back into games. Bettors who monitor live lines could find excellent value betting on the Red Raiders to cover live spreads after a slow start, especially if the defense stiffens in the second half, as they often did last season.

Strong Start, Risky Finish

Over the past couple of seasons, Texas Tech has often started strong but struggled late in the year as injuries and depth issues mounted. Bettors may want to back the Red Raiders heavily in September and October but tread carefully in November when depth and late-season fatigue could start impacting their results, especially against physical Big 12 opponents.

Betting Trends from Last Season

Before diving into the 2025 season, it’s important to look back at some of the betting patterns that defined the Red Raiders’ 2024 campaign. These trends not only tell us about their performance but can also give sharp bettors an edge when projecting how Texas Tech might perform against the spread, totals, and other markets this season.

• Home Cover Kings: Texas Tech was a strong bet at home, covering the spread in five of their six games at Jones AT&T Stadium. Their energy level at home — boosted by a loud and loyal fanbase — often led to fast starts and strong finishes, which made them particularly profitable in both full-game and first-half spread bets.
  
• Early-Season Overs: The Red Raiders hit the “over” in five of their first six games of 2024. With an offense that came out of the gate hot and a defense still finding its rhythm, totals were often set too low early in the season. Bettors who recognized this trend cashed in before sportsbooks adjusted midyear.
  
• Struggles as Road Favorites: While Texas Tech played tough on the road, they struggled to cover when favored away from home, going just 1-4 ATS (against the spread) in those spots. The Red Raiders’ defense often looked shakier outside of Lubbock, making them a riskier bet when laying points on the road — a trend bettors should continue to monitor in 2025.

Key Players for Betting on the Texas Tech Red Raiders

The 2025 Texas Tech Red Raiders boast a roster filled with talent poised to make significant impacts on the field. For bettors, understanding these key players can provide valuable insights into potential betting opportunities, especially in player prop markets. Here are five influential players to watch:​

Behren Morton – Quarterback

Returning as the starting quarterback, Behren Morton brings experience and leadership to the Red Raiders’ offense. Known for his quick release and ability to extend plays, Morton is expected to be a central figure in Texas Tech’s offensive strategy. Bettors might find value in over/under passing yards and touchdown props, especially in matchups against teams with weaker pass defenses. His chemistry with the receiving corps could also lead to favorable outcomes in first-half scoring bets.​

Micah Hudson – Wide Receiver

After a brief stint at Texas A&M, five-star recruit Micah Hudson has returned to Texas Tech, bringing with him high expectations. Despite an injury-plagued freshman year, Hudson’s potential as a deep-threat receiver is undeniable. Bettors should monitor his performance early in the season; if he establishes a strong connection with Morton, betting on his receiving yards and touchdown props could be profitable. 

Jacob Rodriguez – Linebacker

A standout on the defensive side, Jacob Rodriguez has been a consistent force for the Red Raiders. His ability to read plays and make crucial tackles makes him a candidate for defensive player props, such as total tackles or sacks. Rodriguez’s leadership on defense could also influence game totals, particularly in matchups where Texas Tech aims to control the game’s tempo. 

Quinten Joyner – Running Back

Transferring from USC, Quinten Joyner is expected to take on a significant role in Texas Tech’s backfield. Known for his agility and vision, Joyner could be a key player in both rushing and receiving scenarios. Bettors might explore over/under rushing yards or combined yards props, especially if he becomes a focal point in the Red Raiders’ offensive schemes. 

Skyler Gill-Howard – Defensive Lineman

A transfer from Northern Illinois, Skyler Gill-Howard brings strength and experience to the defensive line. His presence could bolster Texas Tech’s pass rush, making him a candidate for sack or tackle-for-loss props. Additionally, his impact on the defensive front might influence betting lines related to opponent rushing yards or quarterback performance.

Texas Tech Red Raiders Summary

Betting on the Texas Tech Red Raiders in 2025 presents a mix of exciting opportunities and important challenges. With an experienced quarterback in Behren Morton, explosive weapons like Micah Hudson, and a defense looking to take a step forward, there are several profitable betting angles to explore — especially early in the season and during home games in Lubbock. Keeping an eye on scoring trends, defensive lapses, and player props could provide real edges for smart bettors.

If you want to take your betting to the next level, working with a trusted handicapper service like ScoresandStats.com can make all the difference. Our team offers expert picks, in-depth analysis, and real-time updates to help you find winning bets all season long. Don’t leave your wagers up to guesswork — partner with the pros and bet smarter on the Red Raiders!