Football
1. Caleb Douglas Will Be an All-Big 12 First Team Receiver
Josh Kelly stole the show last year, especially with that masterpiece in Ames. But while Kelly and Coy carried the spotlight, Douglas quietly showed flashes of being Tech’s most dynamic weapon. He consistently created separation, won jump balls, and delivered explosive plays when the offense needed juice. With an expanded role, Douglas has the complete game to dominate the full route tree and establish himself as a true No. 1.
2. Micah Hudson Will Shape the Season — in a Good Way
Not to get too Lord Varys from Game of Thrones, but there are whispers that Micah has been everything they thought he could be last year, this year. I’m still skeptical, there have been very few players succeed after a saga like Micah’s, but there is a role available for him, that fits his skill set, and there’s no real reason he can’t take it.
3. J’Koby Williams Will be Seen as the Best Big 12 Offensive Weapon Headed into 2026
Williams has that rare blend of speed, agility, and versatility you just don’t see often. Pair that with Leftwich’s creativity, and you’ve got the makings of a matchup nightmare. The only caveat: the Joyner injury may force him into too many traditional RB snaps, limiting how much his full skill set is showcased.
4. Tight Ends Will Finally Deliver
Every offseason we hear about the tight ends, and every season it feels like smoke and mirrors. Last year had moments, but the position was still more window dressing than core weapon. This year should be different. Between Texas State’s film under Leftwich and the undeniable talent in the TE room, it’s hard to see this group not becoming a real, consistent part of the attack.
5. Tech Will Finish Top 20 in OFEI
OFEI is the opponent-adjusted possession efficiency data representing the scoring advantage per non-garbage possession an offense would expect to have on a neutral field against an average opponent defense. Tech was 57th last season. With better talent, scheme upgrades, and more explosive weapons, a jump into the top 20 feels realistic.
6. Tech Will Be at Least +10 in Turnover Margin
Turnovers have haunted Tech: +1 last year, -6 in both 2023 and 2022. That trend flips this season. If Tech hits +10, it’s probably the single biggest indicator that this team is making a serious run.
7. Tech Will Be at Least +15 in Sack Margin
Is “sack margin” a thing? Idk, but it’s important for us. Last season, Tech was -4, 2023 -3, 2022 +10. Prediction 6 & 7 are obviously related, and even more closely related to the work done in the transfer portal in the trenches. I’m choosing to trust this staff’s work here.
8. Tech Will Finish Top 15 in Defensive Drive Success Rate
Drive Success Rate is the opponent offensive drive success rate (DSR) on non-garbage, regulation drives in FBS vs. FBS games. Drive success rate is the percentage of drives that end with a touchdown or field goal attempt. Last season Texas Tech was 76th, Houston was, uh, 106th.
9. David Bailey Will Put Brandon Sharpe’s Sack Record in Play
Sharpe’s 15-sack season in 2009 is legendary. By late October, we’ll be tracking whether Bailey can break it. He’s a technician with freaky efficiency off the edge , it’s beautiful to watch.
10. Cole Wisniewski Will Lock in as a Day 2 Draft Pick
Wisniewski looks the part of an NFL safety, fast, rangy, physical, and instinctive. The questions about his injury layoff and competition level will fade once he strings together consistent tape against Big 12 offenses.
11. Texas Tech Will Go 10-2
I went into this with a prediction of 9-3 and still going/winning the Big 12 title. As stupid as it may be, that was mostly because I could just not picture this program achieving this level of success. I also hate the schedule, and as much as I like the new coordinators, integrating two new schemes worries me. BUT, I cannot ignore what my eyes tell me. This is a 10-2 roster. I’m going with the jimmy’s and joe’s over X’s and O’s approach here.
12. Texas Tech Will Win the Big 12 Championship
Yes, I already screwed up and booked a trip the same weekend. So I’ll be chanting “Raider Power” through the streets of Paris, and if need be, “Puissance du Raider.” This team has the pieces. This should be the expectation.
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