UPDATE: Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire has launched a direct criticism at Notre Dame for their playoff aspirations, questioning their qualifications due to their independent status. This bold statement came during a heated post-game press conference following Texas Tech’s victory over the BYU Cougars on November 3, 2025, intensifying the rivalry as both teams vie for playoff positioning in the College Football Playoff.
McGuire commended BYU for joining a conference, asserting that teams like Notre Dame are not ‘earning’ their playoff spots as others do. He stated, “I have a lot of respect for [BYU] entering a conference and not playing an independent schedule like other people,” leaving no doubt that his remarks were aimed at Notre Dame.
According to the latest Sagarin Rankings, Notre Dame boasts a significantly tougher schedule, ranked 22nd compared to Texas Tech’s lowly 68th. This discrepancy raises questions about the validity of McGuire’s claims regarding ‘earning’ a playoff position. As the Red Raiders prepare for their next games, they face scrutiny over their own playoff legitimacy, especially after a disappointing performance against Arkansas in last year’s Liberty Bowl.
The ongoing tension highlights the competitive landscape of college football, where teams are increasingly judged by their schedules and playoff qualifications. With $28 million allocated to their NIL budget, Texas Tech’s strategy has attracted attention, especially given that they spent $7 million on their defensive line alone.
As the College Football Playoff approaches, all eyes will be on how these narratives unfold. Will Notre Dame’s independent schedule hold up against the pressures of conference play? And can Texas Tech leverage their financial advantages to secure a stronger playoff position?
Stay tuned for more updates as the playoff race heats up and tensions rise between these football programs!
