Sports
Texas Tech called underrated in preseason US LBM coaches poll - Red Raiders Wire
The Texas Tech Red Raiders are being called underrated in the preseason US LBM coaches poll, a surprising take as the 2026 college football season nears.
Bill Connelly of ESPN specifically highlighted this disparity, openly suggesting the coaches poll is "sleeping on" the team by not giving them higher recognition. This contrast creates a buzz around Lubbock, from the campus to the South Plains Mall, as fans debate the true expectations for the Red Raiders. The team does have strong reasons for confidence, including a strong defense and the anticipated improvement with Will Hammond now solidified as the starting quarterback.
This "underrated" label means local fans, whether tailgating on Marsha Sharp Freeway before games or watching from home in their neighborhoods, will have plenty of spirited discussion. Being overlooked by a major poll could easily fuel an underdog mentality for the team itself, potentially leading to more energetic performances on the field. Such a narrative often galvanizes supporters, turning perceived slights into rallying cries throughout the entire season.
Will this "underrated" tag ignite a fiery 2026 season for Tech, proving the coaches wrong?
Common questions
Why is Texas Tech being called underrated in the preseason coaches poll?
- Texas Tech is being called underrated because the preseason US LBM coaches poll provides a lower assessment than other recent projections. Bill Connelly of ESPN specifically highlighted this disparity, suggesting the coaches poll is failing to give the Red Raiders the higher recognition they deserve as the season nears.
How does the coaches poll compare to other preseason rankings for Texas Tech?
- The preseason US LBM coaches poll contrasts sharply with other recent projections that rank the team quite high. For example, ESPN's SP+ recently placed the Red Raiders at No. 8, creating a noticeable difference in perspective regarding the team's potential performance for the upcoming college football season.
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