As the 2025 college football season approaches, Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire is a name being thrown around in conversations about the best coach in the country. With his aggressive recruiting, high-energy culture, and commitment to transforming the Red Raiders into a Big 12 powerhouse, some believe he’s on the verge of something special. But not everyone is convinced.
The Case for McGuire
There’s no denying McGuire’s impact since taking over at Texas Tech. In just a short time, he’s instilled a blue-collar work ethic that has resonated with players and fans alike. His recruiting classes have steadily improved, and the Red Raiders have become a legitimate contender in the Big 12. If he leads Texas Tech to a conference title or even a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025, his case for Coach of the Year will be undeniable.
McGuire’s background as a successful high school coach in Texas gives him deep-rooted connections across the state, allowing him to recruit at a level Texas Tech hasn’t seen in years. He also brings an infectious enthusiasm that has re-energized the program, drawing comparisons to other high-energy coaches like Dabo Swinney.
Why the Hype Might Be Premature
However, critics argue that crowning McGuire as the best coach of 2025 is premature, if not outright ridiculous. The Big 12 is changing, and with powerhouses like Oklahoma and Texas gone, some believe Texas Tech’s potential rise is more about the weakened conference than McGuire’s coaching. Additionally, while he’s made strides, he has yet to prove he can consistently compete with elite programs.
Then there’s the fact that McGuire hasn’t even won a conference title. His teams have been competitive, but they’ve yet to break through in a significant way. Meanwhile, established coaching giants like Kirby Smart, Nick Saban, and even rising stars like Kalen DeBoer are still very much in the picture. To claim McGuire could be the best coach of 2025 before he’s won anything substantial is a stretch.
The Verdict
Joey McGuire has all the makings of a top-tier coach, but calling him the best in 2025 is a bold claim. If Texas Tech takes the next step and dominates the Big 12, the conversation changes. But until then, he remains an exciting, unproven contender in a field stacked with championship-winning coaches.
What do you think? Is McGuire the next big thing, or is the hype getting out of hand?