Texas Tech Wins First Big 12 Championship, Secures CFP No. 4 Seed

ARLINGTON, Texas — For the first time in program history, the Texas Tech Red Raiders are Big 12 Champions.

Led by a stifling defense and the steady hand of quarterback Behren Morton, No. 6 Texas Tech dominated No. 8 BYU 34-7 at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, securing the conference title and an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.

With the victory, the Red Raiders (12-1) locked up the No. 4 overall seed in the final CFP rankings, earning a coveted first-round bye. They will await the winner of the Oregon vs. James Madison first-round matchup in the Capital One Orange Bowl Quarterfinal on New Year's Day.

Total Domination

From the opening kickoff, Texas Tech asserted its will. The Red Raiders defense, which has been the story of the second half of the season, suffocated BYU’s high-powered attack. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was everywhere, recording 12 tackles and a momentum-swinging interception in the second quarter.

“We talked all week about finishing the job,” Head Coach Joey McGuire said postgame, drenched in Gatorade. “This team has fought for every inch. To bring a Big 12 Championship back to West Texas... there’s no feeling like it.”

On offense, Tahj Brooks pounded the rock for 112 yards and two touchdowns, controlling the clock and keeping BYU’s offense on the sideline. Morton was efficient, throwing for 215 yards and a touchdown without a turnover.

The Road to 12-1

This championship caps a remarkable turnaround for a program that has long been knocking on the door. After an 8-5 campaign in 2024, expectations were high, but few predicted a 12-win season and a top-4 national ranking.

The Red Raiders’ only blemish came in a tight road loss to Arizona State in October. Since then, they have rattled off five consecutive victories, including ranked wins over UCF, West Virginia, and now BYU.

Playoff Bound

Texas Tech now enters the 12-team College Football Playoff as one of the favorites. With a first-round bye, they get valuable rest before heading to Miami for the Orange Bowl.

For a fanbase that has waited decades for this moment, the celebration is just beginning. The guns are up, and the Red Raiders are kings of the Big 12.