The number of times that I set out to do a full conference preview and actually finish is rare so I’m proud to have finished it. Of course, Iowa State has messed everything up with the gambling, but I held up my end of the bargain.

Previous 4 Things Preseason Previews: Baylor; BYU; UCF; Cincinnati; Houston; Iowa State; Kansas; Kansas State; Oklahoma; Oklahoma State; TCU; Texas; Texas Tech; West Virginia

Yes.

Texas Tech soccer was picked 5th in the Big 12. Go win it all ladies!

Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list. Congrats!

Texas Tech announced two significant gifts for the south end zone project from Rudy Renda and Tim Winn, both having played for Texas Tech and Spike Dykes from 1997 through 1999, and both part owners of Southland Holdings.

Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s Don Williams writes about how head coach Joey McGuire is excited to have back trevon McAlpine, who tore his ACL in spring practices over a year ago.

“Man, I’m really excited about what he did (this spring),” McGuire said. “Can’t wait to turn him loose. He’s really athletic. He’s very strong, and it’s exciting. We didn’t have that depth that we have now in the defensive tackles.”

On the Red Raiders’ depth chart, McAlpine is third at one defensive tackle spot behind Tony Bradford and Dooda Banks. The order at the other defensive tackle has Jaylon Hutchings backed by Quincy Ledet and Blake Burris.

Inside the Red Raiders’ Jarret Johnson has his takeaways from the first four practices, watching the offensive line, cornerback, kicker and inside linebacker as well as additional notes. Here’s the bit on offensive line and the rest you can click on over:

-Offensive tackle: The projected starters appear to be the same as spring, Monroe Mills at left tackle and Caleb Rogers at right. The two switched sides after starting the majority of last season on opposite sides. Mills was better than I expected after transferring in from Oklahoma State. It will be interesting to see how he performs at left tackle this season. He actually graded out the highest of all Red Raider offensive linemen last season according to Pro Football Focus despite missing three games due to an ankle injury. Rogers struggled in his first season at left tackle last year, especially in pass protection, but he is a team leader, is experienced with 29 starts under his belt, and was much better at right tackle as a sophomore in 2021. The only guy presently in a position to push those guys for playing time is Ty Buchanan, who transferred in from USC before last season. McGuire told me he really likes his athleticism and versatility as he can play both spots. The only fly in the ointment–as Mighty Joe would say–right now, is that Buchanan is out the first week or so of camp with a calf strain. The good news is that as late as Monday morning Buchanan was not on crutches, just a walking boot. McGuire also told me he’s up to 311 pounds, which is welcome news as he transferred in under 300.

Red Raider Sports’ Jarrett Ramirez has two articles, checking in on defensive back Bralyn Lux and kicker Gino Garcia.