The poll results are in: Here’s a closer look at No. 19 Texas Tech.
19. TEXAS TECH
2025-26 record: 23-11
Outlook for 2026-27: The Red Raiders are a combined 38-18 in three seasons of Big 12 play under coach Grant McCasland but have never won the conference tournament, a goal that is well within their reach if All-American JT Toppin returns to top form by March.
What we like: Returning senior Donovan Atwell is one of the best shooters in the country, knocking down triples at a 45.8% clip last season. Texas Tech was 9-2 when he made five or more shots from deep as he set a school record with 130 treys.
Trouble ahead: With former Big 12 Player of the Year Toppin targeting a late-December return from a torn ACL, Texas Tech will be short-handed for a Nov. 10 showdown against Illinois in Lubbock and a Nov. 24 clash against Louisville in Las Vegas.
Top newcomer: Hofstra transfer and Texas native Cruz Davis takes over at point guard after averaging 20.1 points, 4.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds as the Coastal Athletic Association Player of the Year in 2025-26. He also shot 40.0% from behind the arc.