Texas Tech's projected bowl game is not what you’d expect
Heading into this season, expectations for Texas Tech football are sky-high—arguably the highest they’ve been since that unforgettable 2008 squad lit up the field. After dominating the transfer portal, it’s not unreasonable to believe the Red Raiders could end up in the Big 12 title game—or even make some noise in the College Football Playoff.
But as Lee Corso would say, “Not so fast, my friend.”
Athlon Sports just released its annual (and always way-too-early) bowl predictions for the 2025–26 season—and it’s probably not where you expected to see Texas Tech.
So where does Athlon have the Red Raiders headed? Maybe one of the big-time bowls like the Peach, Fiesta, Rose, or Sugar? A CFP berth following a statement season? If you guessed any of those… sorry, not quite.
According to Athlon
Texas Tech is projected to play in the Alamo Bowl—against none other than Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans. Is that a bad bowl game? Not at all. But let’s be honest—given the buzz around this program, a trip to San Antonio would feel like a letdown. Respectable? Sure. But it would fall short of the expectations surrounding this team.
This projection is especially surprising considering the momentum Tech built during the offseason. Between key transfer additions, returning veteran leadership, and a schedule that appears manageable, this roster is built to contend. Fans aren’t just looking for a solid season—they’re anticipating something memorable. In that context, an Alamo Bowl berth simply doesn’t match the energy or ambition surrounding this team right now.
Whether Athlon’s prediction reflects cautious realism or a serious underestimation, one thing’s clear: if this squad lives up to its potential, its postseason destination should be far beyond the Alamo Dome.
Here’s how Athlon sees the College Football Playoff shaping up, along with its full slate of bowl projections for other Big 12 teams. Some of the picks might surprise you.
So, what do you think? Did Athlon get it right—or are they selling Tech short? And where do you see the Red Raiders ending up this postseason? Let us know in the comments.
College Football Playoff Predictions
College Football Playoff First Round
No. 5 Ohio State vs. No. 12 Boise State
No. 6 Georgia vs. No. 11 Miami
No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Oregon
No. 8 LSU vs. No. 9 Alabama
College Football Playoff Quarterfinals
No. 4 Kansas State vs. No. 5 Ohio State (Cotton Bowl)
No. 3 Clemson vs. No. 6 Georgia (Orange Bowl)
No. 2 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame (Rose Bowl)
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 8 LSU (Sugar Bowl)
College Football Playoff Semifinals
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 5 Ohio State (Fiesta Bowl)
No. 2 Penn State vs. No. 6 Georgia (Peach Bowl)
College Football Playoff National Championship
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 2 Penn State
Big 12 Bowl Matchups:
LA Bowl
UNLV vs. Colorado
Rate Bowl
Baylor vs. Minnesota
Liberty Bowl
Auburn vs. Kansas
Las Vegas Bowl
Arizona State vs. Nebraska
Pop-Tarts Bowl
Louisville vs. BYU
Independence Bowl
TCU vs. Vanderbilt
Texas
Iowa State vs. Oklahoma
First Responder
Houston vs. Oregon State
Full Breakdown: Athlon’s Predictions for the 2025–26 College Football Bowl Season — check out the complete list in the original article here: https://www.on3.com/news/athlon-sports-releases-2025-college-football-bowl-game-predictions-for-every-bowl-college-football-playoff/
