The Texas Tech Red Raiders are making a statement before the season even begins! The AP Preseason Poll has ranked the men's basketball team at a remarkable 10th position, setting the stage for an exciting 2025-26 season.
But what's behind this impressive ranking? The Red Raiders have been on a tear recently, reaching the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight last season. Under the leadership of head coach Grant McCasland, they've compiled an impressive 51-20 record over the past two seasons. And the star of the team, JT Toppin, is back for his junior year after a stellar sophomore season, where he swept multiple prestigious awards.
The team's success isn't just about one player. Christian Anderson, an All-Big 12 Freshman Team honoree, is also returning. The Raiders have also bolstered their roster with five talented transfers: Tyeree Bryan, LeJuan Watts, Josiah Moseley, Luke Bamgboye, and Donovan Atwell. Plus, they've added freshmen Nolan Groves, Jaylen Petty, and LaTrell Hoover to the mix.
The AP Top 25 Preseason Poll places Purdue at the top, followed by Houston, Florida, UConn, and St. John's. But the Big 12 is well-represented, with BYU at No. 8, Arizona at No. 13, Iowa State at No. 16, and Kansas at No. 19. Texas Tech's non-conference schedule is no walk in the park, featuring powerhouses like Duke and Arkansas, and potentially Purdue.
And here's where it gets interesting: Texas Tech and Purdue, the top-ranked team, will both be at the Baha Mar Championship in November. The Raiders will face Wake Forest, while Purdue takes on Memphis. This early-season showdown could provide a preview of what's to come for these top-ranked teams.
Texas Tech's success isn't just a one-season wonder. They finished last season with a 28-9 record and were second in the Big 12. The team has now been ranked in the AP Top 25 for nine consecutive seasons, a program record. And their highest ranking to date? Sixth, back in the 2018 season.
So, will Texas Tech live up to their preseason ranking? Can they go all the way this season? The stage is set for an exciting basketball journey. What do you think? Is this the year for the Red Raiders to bring home the championship trophy?
