Texas Tech’s NIL-backed roster defies the odds, sparking a College Football Playoff run that has the Red Raiders on the brink of a historic Big 12 championship. Can Joey McGuire’s culture-first approach, powered by billionaire booster support, be the secret to sustainable success in a new college football era?

Brian Smith and Chris Level break down the off-season moves that transformed Texas Tech, spotlighting key additions like Lee Hunter and David Bailey and the alignment between boosters, coaches, and recruiting. The conversation uncovers why team chemistry thrives at Tech when NIL deals have upended other programs, examines defensive dominance anchored by the front seven, and explores the emotional stakes for Lubbock if the Red Raiders make the College Football Playoff. Is this the blueprint for long-term Big 12 contention?

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