Optimism Runs High for Texas Tech Coach Joey McGuire

© Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off a disappointing 2023 season, Texas Tech's coach took the podium at the Big 12 Conference's Media Days filled with optimism. Joey McGuire is entering his third season leading the Red Raiders with a 15-11 record overall. 

McGuire has plenty to be optimistic about as the 2024 team looks to be his most talented with an even brighter future ahead. 

Thanks to hiring Clay McGuire, Texas Tech's offensive line could be a big advantage not only for this season but moving forward. A freshman class that's highlighted by one of the best at his position will go a long way to help. So, 2024 could not only be a good season but a great one moving forward.

Texas Tech Gets Help by Hiring Clay McGuire

With over 140 college starts on the offensive line behind quarterback Behren Morton, running back Tahj Brooks should have plenty of chances to make big plays. Clay McGuire returned to Lubbock on Feb. 16. It marks his third time coaching the Red Raiders.

During his question-and-answer period, Alex Blackburn of College Football Dawgs asked coach McGuire about the importance of the hire. “That was a huge hire to get Clay back to Lubbock," Joey McGuire said. "He’s got a lot of experience in our offense. What I was excited about and who he is is that he is an absolutely incredible teacher. That’s the one thing we were needing, someone that can really develop our guys. Whether you’re adding guys from the portal…you need a guy who is a teacher.  He was a guy that we were looking at and it’s good to have him home.”

If Clay McGuire can develop the younger linemen, Texas Tech should be able to compete in the Big 12 year in and out. If games are won in the trenches, then Clay McGuire should be a big help in the Red Raiders' ability to win games.

Waiting to See When Micah Hudson Will Play

McGuire brought in the No. 1 recruiting class in the Big 12 in 2024. No name was bigger than five-star wide receiver Micah Hudson. Hudson goes to Texas Tech from Lake Belton High School in Temple, Texas. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Hudson has the size and ability to play right away. The question is...would he? 

Fans and media were hoping Joey McGuire would give them an answer during Media Days and he did disappoint. It didn’t take long when asked about how soon this class would make an impact for him to answer. “You will see Week One, Micah Hudson, a couple of coaches have talked about a generational player,” he said. McGuire added, “You will see Mikah August 31.”

Recruiting is the lifeblood of any college football program. If Texas Tech can start stacking top Big 12 talent, then nothing but Big 12 Championships will be acceptable very soon.

McGuire and his staff look to be building something special in Lubbock. As Texas Tech heads into year 3 under Joey McGuire, the optimism has never been so high. If McGuire can continue this upward trajectory, then the Red Raiders should be in a position to compete for Big 12 titles year in and out.