The college football landscape is shifting, and Texas Tech is ready to ride the wave. Head coach Joey McGuire made it clear that the Red Raiders are open to adding players who were cut by NFL teams to their 2026 roster, a move that could give them a competitive edge in the Big 12.
While the Big Ten and SEC have implemented rules blocking players who signed professional contracts from returning to college, the Big 12 has no such restriction. McGuire, never one to shy away from an opportunity, is eager to exploit that loophole.
McGuire's Stance
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, McGuire revealed that Texas Tech has been actively monitoring the situation. "We've been monitoring, for the last week or so, how we can add, if possible, somebody to make this team better," he said. "We haven't called any NFL coaches. We haven't scouted any NFL players, that I think some teams have done, but we're definitely gonna look."
McGuire's comments come amid a broader debate about whether former NFL players should be allowed to return to college football. The SEC and Big Ten recently voted to prohibit such moves, but the Big 12 has yet to follow suit. McGuire, known for his aggressive approach, isn't waiting for permission.
"If we add anybody, it'd be one," McGuire continued. "We're not gonna have to ask anybody to leave or anything like that. We have a spot, and if we can find the right guy to make this team better, we'll use it."
Winning at All Costs
McGuire's motivation is simple: winning. "I know this: I get to keep my job if I win, and so I'm gonna constantly look at how we can be better as a team, and be better roster-wise," he said.
This isn't the first time Texas Tech has pushed the envelope. The Red Raiders have already become something of an outlaw program in the aftermath of the Brendan Sorsby situation, making full use of the transfer portal and NIL deals. Now, they're poised to take advantage of the NFL pipeline.
The move could have ripple effects across the sport. As college football programs eye NFL castoffs, the Red Raiders are positioning themselves as a destination for players who still have eligibility and a desire to prove themselves.
However, McGuire's frankness might prompt the Big 12 to reconsider its stance. If Texas Tech actually adds a player who spent time in an NFL training camp this summer, the league could face pressure to implement its own restrictions. But for now, McGuire is ready to strike while the iron is hot.
With the 2026 season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Lubbock to see if the Red Raiders turn their interest into action. One thing's for sure: Joey McGuire isn't afraid to think outside the box.
