- In a highly anticipated and unexpected address, NCAA Commissioner Charlie Baker left the world of college football in shock as he announced sweeping changes to the landscape of the sport. The address, which was delivered on March 21, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the college football community, particularly in Lubbock, Texas, where the Texas Tech Red Raiders are now bracing for a significant shift in their future.
Baker, who took over as NCAA Commissioner earlier this year, used the platform to unveil a series of reforms aimed at restructuring the way college football operates. While the changes will affect all programs, the Texas Tech Red Raiders find themselves at the center of the conversation due to the implications for their conference alignment and postseason eligibility.
The most significant and surprising announcement involves a major overhaul of the Power Five conferences, with Texas Tech being one of the most affected teams. Baker revealed that the NCAA would be reorganizing the major conferences to better align with emerging markets and regional interests. This new structure will force some teams to switch conferences and adapt to new rivalries, scheduling, and competitive dynamics.
For Texas Tech, this announcement signals a dramatic shift in their football future. Historically a member of the Big 12 Conference, the Red Raiders had grown accustomed to their role within the league’s competitive structure. However, Baker’s address revealed that Texas Tech, along with several other Big 12 schools, would be moving to a new, larger conference designed to include more teams from the West Coast and Southwest regions. This move is part of a broader effort to create a “national conference,” which aims to streamline the playoff process and reduce travel time for teams across the country.
Many fans in Lubbock have expressed their concern about what the change will mean for the Red Raiders. While the move could open new doors for recruiting and television contracts, there is a palpable sense of unease surrounding the team’s potential to compete in a new conference that may feature more powerhouse programs. Texas Tech’s football team has always been a competitive force in the Big 12, but their new conference alignment could bring tougher competition.
Baker also addressed the future of the College Football Playoff (CFP), announcing that the format would be adjusted to allow for more teams from these restructured conferences. The new playoff system will be introduced in 2026, and it promises to increase access for schools like Texas Tech, which has often struggled to break into the upper echelons of the current CFP structure. In a further twist, Baker revealed that teams moving to new conferences would receive a one-time bonus to assist with any financial challenges posed by the transition.
While details of the new playoff structure and the Red Raiders’ future are still emerging, the announcement has set the stage for what promises to be a new era in college football. With changes in conference realignment, postseason formats, and the overall competitive landscape, Baker’s address leaves everyone in the college football world with more questions than answers.
- As Texas Tech and other schools begin to digest the news, one thing is certain: the Red Raiders, alongside their rivals, will face a new and exciting era of college football that promises to bring both challenges and opportunities. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the landscape unfolds and what it means for the future of their beloved programs.
