ESPN gives Texas Tech best offseason in Big 12 despite Brendan Sorsby scandal

For the first time in program history, Texas Tech football won the Big 12. In 2026, the focus moves to becoming the first repeat conference champion since Oklahoma won the conference in 2019 and 2020. Part of that process was bringing in Brendan Sorsby, who is not embroiled in a gambling scandal.

Despite the Sorsby scandal, ESPN still believes that Texas Tech had the best offseason in the entire conference.

The breakdown for each team was broken into four sections, starting with the key additions, departures, and incoming recruits. Then, moved into the biggest coaching moves. Texas Tech has both coordinators returning to the program, which can be rare for a team coming off such a successful season. They did need to replace two defensive coaches, but snagged two from the NFL ranks in Imarjaye Albury Sr. and Jacquies Smith, keeping continuity in an already solid staff.

They then moved on to what went wrong. With Sorsby possibly moving towards ineligibility, there is concern in the quarterback room. Berhen Morton is off to the NFL after being selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. One of his backups, Mitch Griffis, is now with East Carolina, while Will Hammond is still trying to recover from a torn ACL suffered last season.

“Beyond the uncertain quarterback situation, though, there’s not much to nitpick about where McGuire has this program entering 2026,” ESPN noted.

For the negative of the quarterback situation, the Red Raiders did a solid job of replacing their biggest departures, all on the defensive end of the ball.

“Texas Tech was a big spender yet again during portal season and reloaded with ESPN’s No. 2-ranked transfer class. The staff inked eight defensive linemen and edge rushers out of the portal to restock up front, led by San Diego State’s White and Miami (Ohio)’s Trick, and landed an All-Big 12 linebacker in Kansas State’s Austin Romaine to help take over for Rodriguez,” the breakdown continued.

With a solid defense, staked with new recruits and transfers, plus the continuity of the coaching staff, Texas Tech can overcome the quarterback situation and contend for a College Football Playoff spot once again in 2026.

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