The EA Sports College Football 26 video game just released, and the Red Raiders are a top 15 team in the game.
Texas Tech’s overall rating sits at 86, making them the 13th highest rated team out of the 136 college football programs in CFB26.
Their rating is the best in the Big 12, as they hold a slight edge over the reigning conference champions, Arizona State, who are 85 overall.
The Red Raiders defense ranks ninth in the game with a defensive rating of 92, which is equal to powerhouse programs such as Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon and LSU.
Their stellar defensive rating is powered by defensive end David Bailey and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who are both rated in the top 100 of over 10,000 players in the game.
Bailey is rated 93 overall, which is top 20 overall in CFB26. His rating also puts him top three in the Big 12 Conference and top five among defensive ends.
Rodriguez is rated 91 overall, making him the second highest rated Big 12 linebacker and a top 80 player in CFB26 overall.
Although the Red Raiders didn’t have anyone from the offensive side of the ball in the top 100 rated players, they still are ranked in the top 20 best offenses.
They are the 18th best offense in the game with a rating of 87, led by tight end Terrance Carter Jr who’s 88 overall.
Not far behind him are quarterback Behren Morton and wide receiver Reggie Virgil, who are both rated 87 overall.
From the looks of it, EA is impressed with Tech’s roster.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand that video game ratings are practically meaningless, but there is something to take away from this.
EA Sports doesn’t just pull these ratings out of nowhere. They observe player stats and physical attributes, while also consulting football experts.
Critics could say that it’s still mostly speculation until proven otherwise on the field, which is a fair point that I won’t argue.
All I’m saying is that Texas Tech’s rating points to one thing, belief.
Not just locally, but nationally.
It shows that people not only respect the talent the Red Raiders have retained and obtained, but that they also recognize the potential this team has.
It speaks to the expectations around this team. People see them not only as a top 25 team, but also as a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff contender.
That might not mean much, but at the very least it’s a reason to be optimistic about this upcoming football season.
There’s less than a month and a half left until Texas Tech opens up at home against Arkansas Pine-Bluff in what could be their best season yet.
But until then, playing with the Red Raiders on CFB26 will have to do.
Which should be a blast with such a highly rated roster.
Not to mention EA added the tortilla toss and the Masked Rider run out into CFB26, making digital game day more authentic and realistic than ever.
All ratings and photos provided by EA Sports.