Jeff's 2025 Big 12 College Football Spotlight Team is here. Last year's CFB Season Win Total Best Bets finished 4-2 in 2024. Let's start building this year's portfolio.


Texas Tech is entering the 2025 season with a significant scheduling advantage that should help surpass an 8.5 win total. According to Phil Steele, the Red Raiders have the most manageable schedule in the Big 12, ranking 72nd nationally. Texas Tech benefits from avoiding Power Four opponents in non-conference play and dodging several of the league's top contenders within the Big 12.


Texas Tech has assembled what many regard as the top transfer portal class in the nation, investing over $10 million to acquire outstanding defensive talent. The transformation of the defensive line is complete, with all four projected starters coming from the transfer additions. Pro Football Focus currently ranks Texas Tech's defensive line as the third-best unit in college football and stands out as the best in the Big 12. Teams lack any film on this group early in the season, which provides a significant advantage.


Senior quarterback Behren Morton returns for his final season after starting all 12 games in 2024, where he threw for 3,335 yards and 27 touchdowns with a 66.1% completion rate. The Red Raiders ranked 4th in scoring offense (37.6 PPG) and 9th in total offense. Morton is sixth in career completions (574), seventh in touchdown passes (49), and tenth in passing yards (6,209) in program history. After offseason shoulder surgery, he will benefit from the return of key receivers like Caleb Douglas and Coy Eakin to maintain the offense's strong production.


Texas Tech is in a strong position to surpass expectations in 2025 due to the Big 12's most manageable schedule, significant defensive improvements from elite transfers and coaching, and returning offensive talent. With odds at +650 to win the conference, Texas Tech offers excellent value in a highly competitive Big 12 race. Their defensive improvements could be the key factor distinguishing between an average season and a championship run as the Red Raiders strive for their first conference title in school history. I think 9-10 wins is highly likely.


Jeff’s Best Bet: Texas Tech Over 8.5 wins (+100)


Jeff’s Preferred: Texas Tech Win Big-12 Conference (+650)


Jeff had another profitable College Football regular season (57.8%) last year, fully documented by The Sports Monitor of Oklahoma. Jeff’s College Football bowl selections are 29-7-1 since 2018 after going 3-1-1 (75%) in 2024.


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