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Where Texas Tech is Seeded in the CFP projections Heading into their Game Against ASU

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 10:24 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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As the college football season reaches its climax, the buzz around Texas Tech’s position in the College Football Playoff (CFP) projections has intensified. Sports Illustrated’s latest analysis outlines where the Red Raiders stand heading into their crucial match against Arizona State and what the stakes are for both teams.

Texas Tech finished the regular season with a 9‑4 overall record, going 5‑4 in the Big 12. The Red Raiders captured impressive wins against powerhouses such as Oklahoma and Baylor, but their two conference losses—to Oklahoma State and TCU—were costly. The team’s offense, led by a high‑tempo scheme, racked up more than 450 points, ranking it in the top ten nationally for scoring offense. Defensively, Texas Tech’s secondary proved resilient, with five interceptions in the last three games, a key factor in the committee’s assessment of their overall strength.

The CFP projections released by Sports Illustrated place Texas Tech at the 9th seed in the top‑16 bracket. This ranking positions them behind the top eight teams—most of which come from the Power Five conferences—but ahead of other “mid‑tier” teams such as Louisville, Wisconsin, and Ole Miss. In contrast, the other Big 12 teams in the top‑16 are Baylor (7th), Oklahoma (8th), and TCU (10th). While Texas Tech’s placement is solid, the projections highlight that a win over Arizona State could propel them into the top 10, whereas a loss could see them drop to 12th or lower, affecting their playoff prospects.

The selection committee’s methodology, as reiterated in the analysis, takes into account win–loss records, strength of schedule, conference championships, head‑to‑head results, and the quality of wins. Texas Tech’s victories over Oklahoma and Baylor earned the committee “quality wins,” whereas their losses to Oklahoma State and TCU were marked as “bad losses.” Nonetheless, the committee also noted the Red Raiders’ performance in high‑pressure games, a factor that weighed in favor of a higher seed.

Arizona State, on the other hand, finished the season with an 8‑5 record, going 5‑4 in the Pac‑12. They secured a win over a ranked opponent—Utah State—yet their only other notable victory came against Colorado. Their defense was less consistent, with a total of 35 points allowed in the last four games, ranking them 30th in the nation for defensive scoring. Analysts suggest that if the Red Raiders can neutralize Arizona State’s passing game and capitalize on turnovers, they will have a decisive advantage.

The game itself is more than a playoff qualifier; it’s a narrative pivot for both programs. Texas Tech’s head coach, who has overseen the team’s offensive renaissance, believes that the matchup against Arizona State will “test our resilience and show whether we can sustain a high‑scoring attack against a disciplined defense.” Meanwhile, Arizona State’s coaching staff has emphasized their momentum and the potential to disrupt Texas Tech’s rhythm with aggressive blitz packages.

The article also references the CFP’s “regional” consideration, noting that Texas Tech’s location in Lubbock might provide a home‑field advantage that could swing the committee’s view of their performance. The analysis draws on data from the CFP’s official website, which confirms that Texas Tech has historically benefited from home games against top‑tier opponents.

A deeper look into the Red Raiders’ offensive statistics reveals a balanced attack: 250 rushing yards per game and 320 passing yards per game, both ranking in the top 15 nationally. The offense’s efficiency is reflected in their 90.5% completion rate, the highest in the Big 12. Defensively, Texas Tech’s front seven has forced eight turnovers in the last five games, a metric that the committee regards highly in its evaluation.

The article also includes commentary from sports analysts and former coaches. One former Big 12 head coach remarked that “Texas Tech’s ability to adapt mid‑game will be crucial.” Another analyst noted that “while the Red Raiders have an explosive offense, their defensive lapses against high‑tempo teams could be their Achilles’ heel.” These insights frame the upcoming game as a litmus test for both teams’ coaching acumen and player execution.

In the broader context of CFP projections, the Sports Illustrated piece underscores the dynamic nature of the rankings. It points out that the committee will revisit the projections after the final weekend of play, which could result in a reshuffling of the top‑16. Texas Tech’s performance against Arizona State will thus not only determine their seed for the upcoming playoffs but also influence the national conversation about which teams deserve a spot in the 12‑team playoff.

Finally, the analysis offers a preview of the game’s potential impact on the recruiting landscape. A strong finish could bolster Texas Tech’s attractiveness to high‑profile recruits, while a poor showing might shift the focus to other programs. Arizona State, meanwhile, could leverage a victory to strengthen its program’s appeal in the Pac‑12.

In sum, Texas Tech’s CFP seed of 9th places them in a precarious but hopeful position, with the Arizona State game serving as the pivotal moment that could elevate or derail their playoff ambitions. The article provides a comprehensive snapshot of the team’s strengths, weaknesses, and the variables that will shape their postseason fate.