Texas Tech Faces Easiest Big 12 Schedule This Fall

College football analyst Phil Steele has pegged Texas Tech as having the most favorable schedule in the Big 12 heading into the 2025 season.

According to Steele’s annual strength of schedule rankings, the Red Raiders will face the 72nd hardest schedule in the country, placing them at the bottom of the Big 12 in terms of difficulty.

The Red Raiders’ non-conference slate sets the tone. They avoid a Power Four opponent before league play begins, which could allow Joey McGuire’s squad to build early momentum. Within the conference, Texas Tech dodges several of the league’s top contenders, creating a more manageable path compared to other Big 12 teams.

Steele’s model evaluates the strength of schedule by factoring in opponent win projections and the balance of home and away games. Texas Tech benefits from a schedule that aligns well with its offseason upgrades, including an improved roster and new defensive leadership. This setup could provide a launching pad for a strong season.

After finishing 8–5 in 2024 and earning a Liberty Bowl bid, Texas Tech made clear moves in the transfer portal to raise expectations. With one of the least demanding schedules in the Power Four, the Red Raiders have an opportunity to make a serious push in the Big 12 race if they can take care of business against beatable opponents.

It may not guarantee wins, but the structure of the 2025 slate gives McGuire and his team every reason to aim higher. If they stay healthy and capitalize on this schedule, the Red Raiders could be a team to watch in the Big 12 standings.