College football is evolving faster than ever, and the programs that adapt are the ones staying relevant. The days of relying solely on homegrown development and four-year players are disappearing. The rise of the transfer portal, paired with the power of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, has created a new landscape. This is one where a single offseason, unlike ever seen before, can completely transform a program’s trajectory. Just ask Texas Tech.
A year ago, Texas Tech was a solid, respectable Big 12 team. They won eight games, but no one was calling them College Football Playoff material.