Everything Joey McGuire said at Big 12 Media Days

Joey McGuire takes the podium at Big 12 Media Days, here's everything that he said.

Frisco, Texas -- Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire took the podium at Big 12 Media Days with pride, empathy, and optimism, delivering remarks highlighting the human side of college football and the Red Raiders’ rising potential in 2025.

Before diving into football, McGuire opened with a heartfelt message to Central Texas, which continues to reel from devastating floods.

“Our prayers are with everybody in Central Texas,” McGuire said. “I have family in the area and have heard from Tech alumni whose children were at camps affected by the flooding. We want you to know that Texas Tech is praying for you.”

Flanked by six of his team’s top players -- quarterback Behren Morton, wide receiver Caleb Douglas, outside linebacker Romello Height, preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Jacob Rodriguez, defensive tackle Lee Hunter, and safety Cole Wisniewski -- McGuire praised their leadership and efforts in building a unified squad during the offseason.

“We’ve had a great spring and a great summer,” McGuire said. “We can’t wait for camp to start — and really can’t wait for the season to begin.”

A Breakout Year for Caleb Douglas?

Among the players receiving high praise was wideout Caleb Douglas, who McGuire said has evolved into a big-play threat and a respected leader.

“He had five 100-yard games in Big 12 play last season and added one against Arkansas,” McGuire said. “He’s really stepped up in that receiver room — he and Coy Eakin are leading that group now.”

McGuire added that Douglas’ development could put him on track to declare for the NFL Draft with a strong 2025 campaign.

Transfer Portal Success and Elevated Expectations

Texas Tech made major waves in the transfer portal, reloading both sides of the ball. McGuire said the offseason strategy was deliberate, aggressive, and focused on culture as much as talent.

“We’ve had three straight semesters with a team GPA above 3.0 — and that includes a lot of guys who’ve already graduated from their previous schools,” McGuire said. “We’re proud of who we brought in, not just as athletes, but as men.”

The national buzz around the Red Raiders has grown, but McGuire sees the spotlight as an opportunity.

“We’re not shying away from expectations — we view them as opportunities,” McGuire said. “This is a strong conference, and we plan to be one of the teams that makes a statement this year.”

Coaching Changes: Mack Leftwich Steps In

With former offensive coordinator Zach Kittley now the head coach at Florida Atlantic, McGuire brought in rising star Mack Leftwich to run the offense. McGuire praised Leftwich's continuity and leadership.

“He’s a coach’s kid, just like Zach, and he gets it,” McGuire said. “He’s done it at Incarnate Word and Texas State. I expect Mack to be a head coach someday — hopefully after we get a few great years with him here.”

Micah Hudson’s Return: A Story of Accountability

Wide receiver Micah Hudson, who briefly entered the transfer portal, returned to the program after a one-on-one meeting with McGuire. The coach praised Hudson’s maturity and effort since coming back.

“His mom told me, ‘You don’t need to call Micah. He’ll come talk to you face to face,’” McGuire recalled. “I told him what I would’ve done differently. Since then, he’s emptied the tank every day. I think it’s going to be a great story.”

Defensive Leader Jacob Rodriguez Returns

McGuire said getting Rodriguez — named the Big 12’s preseason Defensive Player of the Year — to return for another season was critical for the locker room.

“He’s a pro. He understands how to work, and his ‘why’ is clear — he’s married and knows what he’s playing for,” McGuire said. “We did a full draft evaluation with him, and I’m so glad he chose to come back.”

Newcomer Lee Hunter Already Making His Mark

Another transfer making noise is defensive lineman Lee Hunter, whose impact is being felt both on and off the field.

“He’s bigger than life, man. Huge personality,” McGuire said. “We brought in good football players, but more importantly, we brought in good men. That’s what I’m proudest of.”

Category: General Sports