As the Big 12 commissioner, I imagine it’s probably pretty challenging at times for Brett Yormark to go on camera and provide some thoughts about a team in his conference in a way that balances objectivity with excitement. But it really seems like Yormark is impressed with the way Joey McGuire has assembled this current roster for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
During the recent Big 12 media days, Yormark was given the opportunity to chat about the Red Raiders and share his thoughts on Texas Tech. Generally speaking, it sounds like he believes Texas Tech is in a pretty decent spot right now.
“Excited about Texas Tech football for next season,” Yormark explained. “You guys have been part of the conversation as it relates to schools that have elevated their game through the portal.”
Given how much folks have been talking about Texas Tech and the Transfer Portal, it makes sense that Yormark would bring it up.
Brett Yormark seems impressed with the way Joey McGuire has built the Texas Tech Red Raiders
“You know, [McGuire] and I have been talking quite a bit, most recently yesterday, and I know he’s excited,” Yormark said. “You got a veteran club and there’s big expectations in Lubbock for this team. I feel they’re going to live up to them for sure.”
It’d be a great thing for the Big 12 if the Red Raiders managed to live up to some of the expectations that we’re seeing float around. With the massive talent influx that was added to Texas Tech during the offseason, it sure seems plausible for the Red Raiders to make plenty of noise in the conference this season.
But if TTU can truly live up to those expectations, then we’re talking about McGuire and his team making the college football playoff, which helps elevate the Big 12’s profile a bit.
There’s no way Yormark isn’t keeping that in mind. But, the dude does have to be at least a little objective.
“I think you guys are well-positioned and [McGuire] tells me he’s going to make it to Arlington,” Yormark noted. “We’ll see what plays out, it’s a very competitive league this year from top to bottom.”
Which, you know, fair enough. He has to be at least somewhat objective. We’ll take the compliments for what they’re worth, note that Yormark sees potential here, and we’ll keep trucking along. The conference commissioner needs to be objective and impartial (other than supporting the conference as a whole, that is).