The ongoing rivalry between Texas Tech and Texas in college football has taken an intriguing turn with Joey McGuire's bold statement. As the head coach of Texas Tech, McGuire has ignited a debate by expressing his desire for a potential College Football Playoff (CFP) showdown with the Longhorns. This move has added fuel to the fire, as the two teams have a history of intense competition, with Texas holding a significant advantage in recent matchups.
McGuire's comments come in the wake of Texas coach Steve Sarkisian's remarks about Texas Tech's schedule. Sarkisian suggested that Texas could benefit from facing weaker opponents, implying that Texas Tech's depth chart could be a strategic advantage. However, McGuire's response was swift and assertive, challenging Sarkisian to a Week 1 showdown and even proposing a potential buyout of games against Texas State and Abilene Christian to make it happen.
The tension between the two programs is not new, with a recent history of bad blood. The last meeting between the teams in 2023 ended with a lopsided victory for Texas, scoring 57-7. This disparity in results has fueled the rivalry, and the desire for a CFP matchup adds another layer of intensity. The teams' contrasting fortunes in the Big 12 and SEC conferences have contributed to the shift in their annual matchups, with Texas Tech now focusing on other conference rivals.
McGuire's enthusiasm for a potential CFP showdown is understandable, given Texas Tech's recent success and the strength of their transfer portal. The Red Raiders boast the No. 1 transfer class in the country, a testament to their ability to attract top talent. This strategic move has undoubtedly contributed to their success, as evidenced by their 12-win season in 2025, with an impressive 8-1 conference record.
On the other hand, Texas, led by Sarkisian, is gearing up for another competitive season. The return of QB Arch Manning, a potential Heisman contender and projected No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick, is a significant boost for the Longhorns. Additionally, the addition of Auburn wideout Cam Coleman to their WR room further strengthens their offensive capabilities.
The ongoing feud between McGuire and Sarkisian adds an extra layer of intrigue to the rivalry. While McGuire's comments may have been seen as a challenge, they also highlight the passion and determination of both coaches to bring their teams to the pinnacle of college football. The desire for a CFP matchup is a testament to the competitive spirit of the sport, and it will be fascinating to see how this rivalry unfolds in the coming seasons.
